CANBERRANS have been shocked by the recent devastating deaths of children and the government must review paediatric services to ensure the best possible care is available in the ACT, says Canberra Liberals health spokeswoman Leanne Castley.

Castley says an urgent enquiry into the “tragic deaths of several children” should particularly focus on the fact there are no dedicated paediatric specialty areas in cardiology and neurology in Canberra.

The government has been under pressure following the deaths of two young people treated in the ACT hospital system over recent weeks that have, separately, become the focus of  coronial enquiries.

Questions to the government about about paediatric services revealed that Canberra Health Services has 20 paediatric specialists, two of whom are on leave, plus nine Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) paediatric specialists.

As at July 20, there are no dedicated paediatric speciality areas in cardiology and neurology in Canberra. These are “outreach services provided by Sydney Children’s Hospital Network”.

“Who is caring for our very sick kids in the ACT and why don’t we have our own dedicated paediatric cardiologists and neurologists?” Ms Castley asked.

“Parents and carers are understandably thinking ‘this could have been my child’.”

“The inquiry needs to examine where the demand is and where are the gaps.

“This would be the most appropriate tribute to these grieving families to show the government genuinely cares about improving healthcare for our children.  It cannot wait for a coronial inquest that will happen sometime next year.”

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