Sorry you've been placed on the waitlist. It can be frustrating when you only want to get help for yourself or a loved one. We are still accepting new clients in our clinic but unfortunately, we do have a waitlist so we can't offer an immediate appointment when you first make contact.
Please read the information below that outlines why we have the waitlist and the process we follow.
Why Do We Have a Waitlist?
I am not sure if you are already aware, but unfortunately, there is a nationwide shortage of Speech Pathologists with a considerable demand for speech pathology services everywhere. In addition, some clients have lifelong disabilities and require therapy for an extended period before they take a break or no longer require therapy. Another factor is the person with whom you can see. We currently have one Speech Pathologist who completes all assessments and therapy plans and then overseas a team of Allied Health Assistants who deliver the therapy. Allied Health Assistants (AHA's) are trained to deliver therapy under the direct supervision of the Speech Pathologist. This supervision includes regular meetings, guidance and reviews by the Speech Pathologists. Each AHA has different areas of expertise, so not all will suit your needs. Therefore, we gather some information about your/your client's difficulties to ensure we can place you with the best AHA based on your/your client's needs. Suppose these needs match with any of the AHA's skills. In that case, you have an increased chance of getting an appointment quicker. Other times it may be limited to just one or two AHA's or regular therapy with the Speech Pathologist if it is a more complex difficulty; therefore, it can take longer to get an appointment. Your own availability will also impact how easily we can offer appointments, as we may only have appointments available on specific days and times.
How Long Will it Take to Get an Appointment?
The timeframe before getting an appointment can vary as we try our best to accommodate many families. However, we also value the quality of service by not rushing clients in their therapy journey and discharging them too quickly. Therefore, appointments become available if a client is discharged from therapy, if a family moves away, or chooses to have a break from therapy. Staffing is also a factor when appointments become available as we are always on the lookout for new Speech Pathologists to add to the team, whilst also being aware that staff may leave for various reasons. Due to these various factors, we cannot say how long our wait list is.
What We Can Offer Whilst on a Waitlist
As we understand the frustration of being on a waitlist, we are planning to run some parent/carer information sessions so that we can support you support the person before therapy can commence. In addition, during school holidays, we are also running some intensive programs that may apply to you.
What Happens When a Spot is Available For Us?
We will contact you when an appointment time becomes available based on your availability when you first contacted us and are placed on our waitlist. The initial appointment with the Speech Pathologist may be at a different time than the regular appointment slot that has become available, so please be flexible with that initial appointment.
We Only Need an Assessment and/or Report for Another Specialist. Can I Book in for Just an Assessment?
Yes, we understand that sometimes you require a report for another specialist, such as a paediatrician. We can accommodate if you just require this assessment and a report without looking for ongoing therapy. If a client cancels an appointment, we try to offer this spot to those needing a one-off appointment. Please remember there is NO guarantee afterwards for ongoing therapy, but we write a very detailed assessment report that can be taken to your specialist or another speech pathology clinic if you happen to get in sooner. We can also do these assessments and reports for the NDIS application if you feel that you would qualify, and then you can be placed on the therapy waitlist for when funding begins, hopefully.
If you are interested in being added to our waitlist, attending parent/carer information sessions, school holiday programs or require a one-off assessment, please complete all aspects of the form below, and we will be in touch.