Early Start – Multidisciplinary infant service
The Early Start team is a group of health professionals who work together to provide a complete assessment of your baby’s development in the first 24 months of life.
Health professionals involved may include:
- physiotherapist
- occupational Therapist
- speech pathologist
- dietitian
- child and family health nurse
- genetic counsellor
- paediatrician.
Goals of the team
- To identify, screen and monitor your baby’s development using a team approach.
- To provide education, information and support for you and your baby.
- To ensure a smooth transition to further services, if needed, after 24 months of age.
Contact
119 River Street
Kempsey NSW 2440
Kempsey Early Start Clinic covers the Macleay area which includes Kempsey, South West Rocks and surroundings areas.
Referral process
Referrals to Early Start are accepted from specialists, tertiary hospitals, physicians and health professionals.
Referral criteria
- Identified syndrome.
- < 30 weeks and/or low birth weight < 1500g.
- Significant medical intervention.
- Low Apgar score at one minute, not recovered at five minutes.
- Neonatal withdrawal/history of drug/alcohol use.
- Congenital abnormalities.
- Significant feeding problems failure to thrive.
- Psycho-social issues (eg. mental health history and child protection issues).
Wrights Rd
Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Port Macquarie Early Start Clinic covers the Hastings area which includes Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven.
Referral process
Referrals to Early Start are accepted from specialists, tertiary hospitals, physicians and health professionals.
Referral criteria
- Identified syndrome.
- < 30 weeks and/or low birth weight < 1500g.
- Significant medical intervention.
- Low Apgar score at one minute, not recovered at five minutes.
- Neonatal withdrawal/history of drug/alcohol use.
- Congenital abnormalities.
- Significant feeding problems failure to thrive.
- Psycho-social issues (eg. mental health history and child protection issues).