A Painful Journey

Newcastle Herald

Friday October 31, 2008

KYLIE WILLIAMS HEALTH

NEWCASTLE parents of juvenile arthritis sufferers are lobbying John Hunter Hospital to open a clinic for their children.

The disease strikes about one in 250 children and requires regular visits to a range of specialists.

While there are some specialists based in Newcastle, families have to travel to Sydney to see a rheumatologist because there are none locally.

Jo Turner's son Bayly, 6, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 13 months of age and has spent long periods in a wheelchair when his symptoms have worsened.

Mrs Turner, of Eleebana, said a local clinic for juvenile arthritis sufferers would help parents, who often have to take time off work to take their children to Sydney.

"If it was in Newcastle they could take them during their lunch break and the children also wouldn't be missing school," she said.

Adia McQuillan, 3, was diagnosed at 16 months and has arthritis in both her knees and her left middle finger and eye inflammation.

Her mother Carlie McQuillan, of Speers Point, said a local clinic would allow her to better juggle Adia's many medical appointments.

Different types of juvenile arthritis can affect different parts of the body, such as internal organs or eyes, as well as bones.

A Hunter New England Health spokeswoman said that while the service recognised the need to improve services for children with chronic and complex medical requirements, funding had not been allocated to establish a juvenile arthritis clinic.

She said service priorities were based on local need, future demand and budgeting requirements.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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