Child Access Appointments

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 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