EPiPC: Changing how children access specialist support

At a glance 

• 125 children accessed community paediatrician service  

• 168 children seen and 1198 occasions of service for Waratah for Kids 

• 168 children referred by GPs participating in EPiPC  

• 31 health professionals attended the annual EPiPC education day in August 2025  

For a young child experiencing developmental challenges, a year is a long time to wait for specialist support.  

When the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) team was planning improvements to maternal and child health services several years ago, they identified paediatric waiting times of between 12 months and two years, prompting the development of new approaches to improve access to care. 

Enhancing Paediatrics in Primary Care (EPiPC) is an innovative model designed to address this issue head-on, building the capability of local GPs while helping children and families access earlier support closer to home. 

EPiPC gives participating GPs direct access to paediatric expertise, helping them investigate concerns, implement strategies and support families while children wait to see a paediatrician and, in some cases, potentially avoid the need for specialist referral altogether.  

The program provides regular community of practice meetings between GPs and a community paediatrician for case discussions, education and practical clinical guidance. There is an annual education day for health professionals across the region, and in August 2025, 31 participants came together under the EPiPC program to build their skills in preschool-aged child behaviour and development, covering developmental delay, transition to school, hearing and vision screening, child and family health nursing and sleep. 

The model also includes Waratah for Kids – a program where participating GPs can refer children for allied health screening, with reports returned to the GP and community paediatrician so appropriate strategies can begin while families await further allied health or specialist care. In 2025-2026, Waratah for Kids had 168 clients and provided 1198 occasions of service. 

Through Waratah Kids, Sally* and her mother participated in a face-to-face follow-up appointment with both the Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist, providing an opportunity to review her progress and discuss ongoing support needs. Since the initial assessment, Sally has been successfully approved for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through the Early Childhood Approach and is preparing to commence telehealth speech pathology services. Sally's mother has reported noticeable improvements in Sally’s reading and writing skills, as well as increased emotional regulation, particularly in situations that previously resulted in frustration. These outcomes demonstrate the positive impact of early identification, coordinated intervention, and access to ongoing supports. 

Community Paediatrician Dr Lahiru Amarasena said EPiPC has obvious benefits in terms of management of vulnerable children like Sally.   

“Enhancing Paediatrics in Primary Care is a collaborative program that has been iteratively co-designed by a team passionate about advancing the care of young children in Murrumbidgee with developmental challenges. Our program has sought to build on capacity and capability within primary care for earlier identification and management recommendations for vulnerable children in our region, through early community paediatrician advice support, allied health screening, care navigation, case discussions, clinical guidelines, service directories and a robust annual education day. Ultimately, the impact is seen through increased continuity of care and targeted support for children and families.”  

For participating GP, Deniliquin-based Dr Rachel James, EPiPC is particularly valuable in rural communities. 

 “EPiPC strengthens the GP’s role at the centre of a child’s healthcare journey, providing access to expert paediatric guidance that supports local, timely, and coordinated care for families in our region. This is particularly important in rural communities like Deniliquin where there is limited access to specialised paediatric services.” 

By connecting general practice, paediatric and allied health expertise, EPiPC demonstrates how redesigning the pathway – rather than simply adding another service – can build regional capability and help children receive support sooner. 

*Name changed to protect the participant’s identity and privacy.