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ABC News
ABC News
Health

Fears children with ADHD could lose meds as paediatrician shortage sees service stop prescribing

The ongoing prescribing of ADHD medication requires specialist involvement. (AdobeStock: MNStudio)

Parents of children diagnosed with ADHD, autism and anxiety are reeling from the news that an Australian paediatric service will stop prescribing medication because it cannot recruit enough specialist doctors to keep up with the overwhelming demand.

Patches, which was established in 2012 by a paediatrician and former Young Australian of the Year James Fitzpatrick, said it would continue assessing and diagnosing children but stop managing medication for those who have already been diagnosed.

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