A total of 87 local children made use of the Healthy Kids Bus Stop service that came to Parkes recently.
The service offers free developmental screening and health check-ups for children aged two to six in a friendly ‘one stop shop’ setting with access to a variety of health disciplines and professionals.
Over the five days, 243 screeners in child health checks, hearing, oral health, speech and language development and fine and gross motor skill development were carried out on the children. Out of the 87 children screened, 85 required referrals in one or more areas, including 57 for dental, 40 for occupational therapy, 32 for speech therapy and 22 for hearing.
One of the parents at the Bus Stop said: “Awesome program. So grateful they come to Parkes to make it easier for country kids to receive services”.
Aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of children through the early detection of lifestyle risk factors, delayed development and/or illness, this award-winning program was delivered through a collaborative partnership. Royal Far West and Project Sprouts worked in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities supported by Neighbourhood Central, ARTC Inland Rail, CMOC Northparkes and Parkes Shire Council.
Parkes East Public School, Trundle Children’s Centre and Peak Hill Preschool generously hosted the Bus Stop, and other key partners included local preschools, schools, councils and community service organisations. The program is a collaborative exercise to benefit young children within the community at no cost to their parents or carers.
If you’ve missed the Bus Stop and you have concerns about your children, you can contact LHD – Parkes Community Health Centre at 6861 2403.