An unprecedented demand for vital children’s health services across Western Australia has spurred a near-$40 million funding injection as the state government plans a major system overhaul.

The WA Child Development Service will be significantly expanded following the announcement of $39 million in funding on Tuesday, to substantially increase staff including paediatricians, clinical nurse specialists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and audiologists in metropolitan and regional areas.

The funding will form part of the next state government budget.

The service is the only one of its kind in Australia where both assessment and intervention services are provided for children with developmental and learning issues.

It has seen an unprecedented surge in demand at a time when there is a global shortage of paediatricians.

In the past 10 years, referrals to CDS paediatricians have risen by 132 per cent.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the service looked after children across 2.5 million square kilometres from Kununurra to Albany.

“Demand growth for CDS has been far exceeding what you would expect for our population, with referrals growing at an unprecedented rate,” she said.

“This $39 million investment will pave the way for a major uplift in CDS staff, especially in clinical roles, and ensures this vital service meets the needs of WA kids and families.