Programme Goals
Infancy and early childhood
Early diagnosis of CP, which then allows for early intervention. Early intervention is evidence-based best-practice care during the first 1,000 days when neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change), is at its greatest.
- 75% of infants at high-risk of cerebral palsy diagnosed before six months of age and 100% by twelve months
- A rapid access referral pathway in place in all six health regions to review infants in the community with early signs of motor delay, ensuring that >75% of infants with cerebral palsy are diagnosed before twelve months of age.
- A National Model of Care for CP for infants/children at risk for CP or with a CP diagnosis, developed and implemented in all six health regions to allow early intervention.
Childhood & adolescence
Evidence-based best-practice care during childhood and adolescence when many of the musculoskeletal problems associated with growth occur.
A National Model of Care for CP for children and adolescents with CP developed and implemented in all six regions, including:
- Evidence-based best-practice interventions including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology and social work
- Access to specialist neurodisability paediatric and nursing care to provide evidence-based best-practice care for associated conditions (e.g., pain, nutrition, epilepsy).
- Timely access to expert provision of equipment (Aids and Appliances).
- National access to the musculoskeletal surveillance programme.
- Specialist tone management including neurosurgical techniques (selective dorsal rhizotomy [SDR] and Intrathecal Baclofen).
- Specialist CP orthopaedic surgery including hip surgery, gait improvement surgery (single-event multilevel surgery [SEMLS]), and upper-limb surgery.
Adulthood
Evidence-based best-practice care during adulthood when the challenges of CP meet further challenges, including transitioning from the paediatric to adult health systems, typical ageing, and the lack of services for adults with CP.
A National Model of Care for CP for adults developed and implemented in all six regions. This includes:
- Regular reviews by a health professional with expertise in neurodisabilities to assess and monitor associated conditions (e.g., bone and joint disorders, mental health problems, nutrition, respiratory disorders and pain).
- Referral to a specialist multidisciplinary team if deterioration in ability to carry out daily activities occurs.
- Timely access to specialist interventions including neurosurgical and orthopaedic procedures