GATLEY MEDICAL CENTRE
Does your child need to see a GP?
If your child is poorly we will always see your child or speak with you on the same day.
Choose well – Choose us rather than A&E
Poorly Children - Urgent Appointments
The practice offers appointments daily for poorly children. Requests will be seen by our nurse practioner or a GP. Some conditions can be managed with advice over the telephone or advice from the local pharmacist .
When considering if your child requires an urgent assessment the following information may be of use:
- Most common infections do not get better quicker with antibiotics
- Most children with a cold, cough, sore throat or earache who see their GP will still be ill 4 days later. This does not mean that they need treatment or need to be seen again.
- One third of children who have seen their GP with a cough will still be coughing 2 weeks later. This does not mean that they need treatment.
- Only children with signs of more serious illness generally need to be seen by a doctor or nurse. These signs include:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Cold or discoloured hands &/or feet with warm body
- Abnormal pains in arms &/or legs
- Abnormal colour (pale or blue)
- Persistently high temperature not responding to medication
- Symptoms related to meningitis
- Unusually severe headache
- A Stiff neck (difficulty putting chin to chest)
- Dislike of bright lights
- A rash that does not fade with pressure
The following website may also provide further useful information www.whenshouldiworry.com