Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Service at The Royal Children's Hospital

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the need to support the continuation of the Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Service (CPRS) program at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

The CPRS at RCH is a unique, world-class, patient-specific surgical, nursing and allied health service that provides essential care to children with complex colorectal conditions, such as anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung disease, and chronic constipation. CPRS is the only service of its kind in Australia. Any reduction in its services, especially its wraparound care, would force families to seek unsatisfactory care elsewhere, burdening emergency departments and general healthcare providers who are ill-equipped to treat these complex conditions. The number of children requiring support from the CPRS continues to grow and these complex colorectal conditions are not solely resolved by life-saving surgery. This comprehensive care model in Melbourne is world-leading as expressed and supported by Dr Marc Levitt, Chief of the Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction at the Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C., United States of America.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to ensure that the Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction Service (CPRS) at The Royal Children’s Hospital is maintained in its original form, including the full range of allied health services originally offered, and to commit to safeguarding the long-term future of CPRS, ensuring that it is not subject to cuts, restructure or closure, so that world-class, patient-centred care continues to be available to vulnerable children and families in need.