The service is a partnership between the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) for children known to the health service’s Child Development Service and local paediatricians.

Child Development Service allied health team leader Carly Hislop said supporting diagnosis for children with FASD is crucial for understanding each child’s individual needs and supporting their access to ongoing services.

“Children with FASD can experience all sorts of challenges, including delays with their physical, emotional, speech, language skills and growth, issues with memory and attention, and learning and behavioural difficulties,” Ms Hislop said.

“A proper diagnosis ensures families have the knowledge to address these issues as the child gets older and assists with access to support systems and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).”

Ms Hislop said there were several myths and misconceptions about the links between alcohol and pregnancy.

“There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding FASD, but it is really important for future parents to know any amount of alcohol, consumed at any point in the pregnancy, can cause FASD,” she said.

“FASD occurs across all demographics who consume alcohol, which is concerning when we know almost 50 per cent of pregnancies in Australia are unplanned.”

Paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Sithambarampillai Sivayoganathan said FASD was an under-diagnosed condition which can lead to long-term difficulties for children, including over prescription of medication and inadequate support.

“It is estimated one in every 13 pregnancies exposed to alcohol will result in a child having FASD and up to 90 per cent of these are at risk of misdiagnosis,” Dr Sivayoganathan said.

“There is a general lack of awareness on how to screen for FASD and often times, there may be no questions asked about the alcohol history of the mother during appointments.

“These children may present with symptoms that mimic learning difficulties or ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorder and may have a poor response to the stimulant medication. “They are often prescribed medications for these conditions rather than addressing the underlying disability.

“Without a proper diagnosis, there is a gap in understanding what a child won’t do versus what they can’t do.

“Identifying this difference and supporting these children through their schooling goes a long way in improving outcomes for them later in life.”

Dr Sivayoganathan said education was the best tool available for preventing children developing FASD.

“Research shows one of the most significant risk factors for families is that having one child with FASD means you are 70 per cent more likely for your second child diagnosed too,” he said.

“Aside from ongoing education for expecting families about the risk of alcohol, an early diagnosis for a first child means we can link these parents to services that can help prevent reoccurrence.”

NQPHN chief executive officer Robin Whyte said NQPHN was pleased to provide funding for the dedicated service.

“The first 3000 days from conception to 96 months is critical, with alcohol consumption during pregnancy increasing the risk of physical and developmental delays in children who have been exposed,” Ms Whyte said.

“NQPHN recognises the importance of the education, early detection, assessment, and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) to assist in access to timely interventions that improve the lifelong health benefits of children in the area.”

“NQPHN is commissioning maternal and child health services, from pre-conception through to 96 months, that addresses the reduction of smoking and alcohol consumption in the perinatal period, improved nutrition, and an increase in childhood immunisation, infant health checks, and the promotion of maternal attachment through parenting programs.”

Parents can self-refer their child to the child development service through the form available at child, youth and family health service at the Townsville HHS. For referral to a paediatrician, please see your GP.

Thousands of patients have used clinic since opening in 2016

An afterhours health clinic established on Palm Island has been a godsend for residents, including community education counsellor Arthur Dalton.

He said he had attended the Palm Island Community Company Afterhours Clinic, funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), at night about five times because he couldn’t receive healthcare during the day due to work commitments

“It’s been very beneficial, especially when my asthma plays up at night and I can’t get away during the day due to work,” Mr Dalton said.

“Well, it helped a lot in many ways. Having something happen during the night, I can present to Palm Island Community Company Afterhours Clinic to see a regular doctor to get some information on how medication and strategies can help me during the day whilst I’m at work and can get my results right away when I’m available. It has been great.

“I come down to the clinic early (after 5pm) and I’ve been seen by a doctor straight away. The service is very easy to access and, with transport provided during the night clinic, that has helped tremendously, and I’ve found it more encouraging to present to the night clinic.

“Personally, I think the afterhours is very beneficial for local residents, and for the visitors. The staff here are very friendly and very knowledgeable and are quick. So, I say a good job to the staff that facilitate the afterhours service.”

Mr Dalton recommends the service to other island residents.

“There are many other locals who have day jobs and can’t afford to leave during their hours and having the afterhours service has been a huge help,” he said.

The clinic has eased the pressure on the Joyce Palmer Health Service’s Emergency Department.

Afterhours clinic Senior Medical Officer Dr Shahead Chowdhury said the service was established on the island to help prevent avoidable emergency department presentations and to provide residents with choice of health services. The clinic operates Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5pm-9pm and is staffed by a GP, nurse, health worker, receptionist, and transport officer.

“The clinic has provided thousands of occasions of service inclusive of varied episodes and types of care,” Dr Chowdhury said.

“Clinic presentations vary from colds, coughs, flus, wounds, accidents and injuries, medications, health checks, care plans, and transfers to hospital. The list goes on and on.”

Dr Chowdhury said the clinic had saved lives.

“There have been circumstances involving the incidence of presentations that required emergency transfer to Joyce Palmer followed by emergency evacuation to the mainland,” he said.

“This clinic is welcomed and well used by the community.

“In some cases people, who work on Palm Island, attend the night clinic when they cannot get time off work during the day.”