The By Five Paediatric Project establishes partnerships between Royal Children’s Hospital paediatricians, local professionals and families to improve the health and wellbeing of children in the Wimmera Southern Mallee of rural and remote Victoria. It has been operating since March 2021 and offers three core supports:
1. Health literacy activities delivered in community settings through partnerships with local professionals, tailored to the specific health needs of community members.
2. Professional capacity building involves the sharing of expertise among local professionals through regular case-based sessions and the cultivation of alliances and professional relationships. Local professionals can also seek guidance from the paediatrician on specific concerns related to a child without involving the child's family in a professional consultation.
3. Co-consultations where local professionals, families and a By Five paediatrician work together to respond to child health and developmental concerns.