The Cairns Post

Medic blitz under way - 'Positive effect' on health

Rebecca Lollback

15Apr08

TWO Melbourne surgeons in Alice Springs for the first ear, nose and throat blitz have said the Federal Government intervention will have a positive effect on children's health.

But the doctors also expressed concerns about Aboriginal children with ``quite large'' perforations in their ears.

Dr Thiruchelvam said: ``It's good to be here in Alice Springs, giving back to the community.

``We have a social obligation as doctors to do this. Living in Australia, it's unacceptable that there is a 17-year life expectancy gap between the Caucasian and Aboriginal populations.

``We have a favourable impression that the intervention has had some effect.

``But some of the children have much larger perforations than I expected.

``I've come across quite a lot of shy children, but most are quite excited and they know what they're in for.''

Dr Rose said about half of the children would undergo a common surgical procedure.

She said: ``It's a commonly performed operation, but it can be difficult.

``Health workers in the communities will do the follow-up treatment.''

Thirty children arrived in Alice Springs on Sunday for the first blitz.

Another 35 children from Finke, Haasts Bluff and Kintore will arrive at the hospital on Thursday. A mobile clinic will also be set up in Santa Teresa today.

The two-week blitz is one of five blitzes to be held this year.

MacDonnell MLA Alison Anderson said many remote children would benefit from the treatment.

She said: ``This is a dream come true for these children. At long last they will be able to hear their teachers in the classroom.

``I was in Papunya on the weekend and the whole community is so happy - mothers, grandmothers, everyone.

``They are excited that their children will soon be able to contribute at school. It would be great if this intervention could continue forever.''

Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the children being treated this week had been identified with ``urgent health needs''.

She said: ``Almost a third of the children seen in the checks were found to have ear disease and approximately one in 14 children required specialist ENT services to help them treat hearing impairment.''

Ms Roxon said 8500 children had had health checks so far.

Dental surgery has also been scheduled for May, with mobile dental units travelling throughout the Territory and extra dental staff visiting clinics in remote communities.