Intellectual Disability

Vision:To provide effective and efficient health care for people with intellectual disability (PwID) by strengthening the skills of GPs and other health professionals, and improving system integration.

Project GROW is a CESPHN service enhancing the role of primary care providers to meet the complex health needs of people with intellectual disability. This project is a component of the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability.  

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Our team are ready to upskill and support primary care to providers on intellectual disability health care.  Fill in this EOI to book an in-practice session or email us for more information. 

There are over 13,000 people in the Central and Eastern Sydney region with intellectual disability. 

Compared with the general population, people with intellectual disability experience: 

  • Over twice the rate of avoidable deaths 
  • More than twice the rate of emergency department and hospital admissions 
  • Hospital admissions costing twice as much. 
  • Higher rates of physical and mental health conditions 
  • Lower rates of preventative healthcare 

Project GROW Resources for Primary Care

Annual Health Assessments

Using the Medicare Health Assessment as a template, this pathway provides a comprehensive overview of how to assess key health indicators in people with an Intellectual Disability, including screening and preventative health recommendations. It is intended to be used over the course of several consultations depending on the complexity of the patient’s needs.

Specialist Intellectual Disability Health Teams

A time limited clinical service to children, teens and adults with intellectual disability who have complex health conditions and a current unresolved health issue. 

Assessment, develop a health care plan, coordinate referrals to specialists and support treating paediatrician or GP to implement and monitor the health care plan. Provide capacity building services for mainstream health staff providing care to people with an intellectual disability.  

Special Care Dentistry 

Special Care Dentistry is a referral centre concerned with the oral health care of adults with complex special needs. Their aim is to provide accessible dental services in an equitable and respectful manner to persons with disabilities. They offer a range of sensory tools and specialised equipment to assist during your visit. Treatment can be provided under local anaesthetic, Relative Analgesia, and General Anaesthetic.   

Transition support- childhood to adult services ACI Transition Care Network

Many young people with chronic health conditions and disability arising in childhood are now living well into adulthood, which requires a move from paediatric to adult health care. The Agency for Clinical Innovation’s Transition Care Network works with clinicians, young people, families and carers to improve continuity of care for these young people (14 to 25 years of age), as they move from paediatric to adult health services including primary care. The vision of the network is to embed transition planning and processes into clinical care for a seamless handover with all clinical teams. 

The Transition Care Network have developed seven key principles to ensure a successful transition. The network also has a range of factsheets and templates for both clinicians and consumers. Many are available in easy-read and other languages. 

To continue improving transition care for young people, the Transition Care Network is seeking the input, expertise and experiences of clinicians and consumers. If you’re interested in joining the network, please join here or contact Rachael Havrlant, Network Manager via 0437 883 941 or ACI-TransitionCare@health.nsw.gov.au for more information. 

Mental Health Services

Statewide Disability Mental health hubs  

Two Statewide Intellectual Disability Mental Health Hubs have been established to help people with intellectual or developmental disability access appropriate mental health care. One Hub is for children and young people, and one Hub is for adults. Both are funded by NSW Health. 

 

Mental Health Conditions in Adults with an Intellectual Disability – compliments the behaviours of concern pathway for individuals with comorbid mental health concerns. Provides practical advice on the use of medications where indicated, as well as sources of support or referral if required. 

NDIS Support

Early childhood, early intervention 

Early Childhood Approach 

For early intervention with or without diagnosis, 1800 953 390 or info@lifestart.org.au will put you/the family in touch with an early childhood partner.