Page 1514 - Week 06 - Tuesday, 11 August 1992

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MINISTER FOR HEALTH

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION 180

Scoliosis Screening

Mrs Carnell - asked the Minister for Health:

What is the present status of scoliosis screening?

Have the services for scoliosis screening recently been discontinued; if not, what is the level, type and cost of the service currently provided?

Mr Berry - The answer to Mrs Carnells question is:

1. Routine scoliosis screening by Community Nurses ceased in 1991. Scoliosis screening is recognised as having low priority status at a national level. National recommendations on screening procedures (including scoliosis) are awaiting a NHMRC report, due in November 1992

2. Information on scoliosis and advice for seeking assessment for a potential problem is included in the School Screening Program form sent annually to all year seven High School students.

Planning is underway for a more descriptive brochure to assist parents and teachers in checking for scoliosis. Information will include where assessment and advice can be secured, and the range of corrective treatment that can be envisaged. This will be distributed through schools.

Individual referrals from teachers or parents for a child to be screened for scoliosis can be made to Community Nurses at Regional Health Centres and schools. An average screen takes nine minutes at an approximate cost of $3 00 -$4 00 per child.

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