Table 3.
Community service availability
| Discipline | Waiting list? | Waiting time | Therapy duration | Long-term access to service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Yes |
No |
|
|
|
|
PHN* |
|
√ |
None |
Based on need |
Based on need |
|
Physiotherapy |
√ |
|
0–11 months |
Typically 6–12 weeks |
Limited |
|
Occupational therapy |
√ |
|
0–4 months |
Variable (from 2 visits to service based on need/disability |
Very limited |
|
Speech & Language |
√ |
|
Assessment: 1–3 months; Therapy: 3–9 months |
Variable (from 6 weeks to service based on need) |
Rarely |
|
Social work |
N/A |
|
Service virtually unavailable |
N/A |
Rarely |
|
Dietetics |
N/A |
|
Service virtually unavailable |
N/A |
No |
| Psychology | N/A | Service virtually unavailable | N/A | No | |
*PHN = Public Health Nurse.