Paediatric Health
Children (3 - 12 years)
Paediatric Health
Health queries for children ages 3 to 12 years usually fall into one of four areas:
- nutrition
- sleep
- growth
- developmental/behavioural screening and assessment
More complex health issues requiring specialist care can include:
- asthma allergies
- poor growth
- behavioural problems and developmental delay
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorders
- brain conditions such as epilepsy
- complex disabilities
- urinary and faecal incontinence
- problems with muscles or bones
Who we care for
Most children will get good health care from their local child health centre and/or their general practitioner (GP). GPs may refer on to a paediatrician (all paediatricians have training in both child and adolescent health care).
Paediatric clinics for children are located at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital (Burnie) and Mersey Community Hospital (Latrobe).
What to expect at clinic
It is important that children are involved in their own health care from an early age. In our paediatric clinics, children (with the help of their caregivers) will be asked to talk to health professionals directly and to make healthcare decisions that are age-appropriate.
It is recommended that before you go and see the paediatrician/paediatric registrar you consider doing the following:
- Write down the reason for the visit and any concerns your child/family has mentioned
- Make a list of all the questions you want to ask at the appointment
- If possible, write down a list of all medications and complementary therapies.
The staff at the paediatric clinic will then work closely with your child’s general practitioner and allied health services to care for your child as they grow.
The children’s health care team begins with
| The child (you) and family/caregivers |
You and your caregivers are important members of your health care team, you look after yourself and your condition every day. You can tell us about your health and how your condition affects your everyday life. We will include you in decisions about your health. |
| General practitioner (GP) | Your GP takes care of your general health needs within the community. They often provide initial assessment and can refer to a paediatrician if more specialised care is required. Your GP can provide care in between more specialist appointments and assist with prescriptions and community care plans/action plans for your family or school. They will receive updates from other professionals. |
| Paediatric registrar | The paediatric registrar is a doctor training to become a specialist such as a paediatrician. Once they have met with you they report back to the paediatrician or relevant specialist. |
| Paediatrician |
The paediatrician is a key member of your health care team, they provide specialist medical care and look at your health holistically. Your paediatrician often takes the lead in providing a diagnosis or organises referrals for tests or specialist input. They look after your holistic care needs and receive updates from other members of your health care team. |
| Specialist nurse/ clinical coordinator | For children with complex health problems, the specialist nurse is your main contact point. They will help you to organise your care and assist with communication between team members. You can talk to them if you have questions or concerns. Depending on your needs, the nurse may provide education and support, giving you the information you need to care for your condition. |
| Nurse practitioner (NP) | A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with the experience, expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions. Nurse practitioners have completed additional university study at Master’s degree level and are the most senior and independent clinical nurses in our health care system. |
Depending on individual needs the following health professionals may also provide care
| Dietitian | The dietitian will assist in the assessment and management of your nutritional needs related to your condition. They will talk to you about your diet and make recommendations to support your health and growth. |
| Physiotherapist | Physiotherapists are experts in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. They can help with motor skills (such as walking), joint problems, pain and fatigue. |
| Speech pathologist | Speech pathologists are experts in speaking, language and communication. They can also help with assessment and therapy around feeding and swallowing. |
|
Occupational therapist (OT) |
Occupational therapists help people to participate in activities they find meaningful and daily activities that they need to do. These activities include self-care (such as mealtimes or getting dressed), play, learning, school, work, leisure, hobbies and spending time with friends and family. Occupational therapists assess and assist with movement, thinking, sensory processing and equipment. |
| Social worker | Social workers can provide counselling and teach skills to help you cope with problems linked with your health, relationships or circumstances. They can help you understand your rights and help to advocate for you. |
| Psychologist | A psychologist works with you to understand the impact your condition has on your life and helps you to overcome challenges, change your behaviour and improve your mental health. |
| Mental health clinicians | Mental health professionals can be doctors, nurses, counsellors or other health care staff that help with different aspects of emotional and mental health and wellbeing. |
| Paediatric intensivist |
How to access care for children
A general practitioner referral is required. Your GP can submit the referral by following the directions on the Department of Health, Tasmania's outpatient clinics website.
