Children Health
Russell Island
Macleay Island
How to access your GP during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To ensure families can continue to access their GP during the COVID-19 pandemic, our clinics (name both of the clinics here) have reduced face-to-face appointments and are providing patient consultations via Telehealth. Contact our reception if you and your child can have a consultation via Telehealth. New Medicare rules mean that the appointment should be bulk-billed, leaving you with no out-of-pocket costs.
Finding a Doctor for Kids
Your local general practitioner (GP or family doctor) plays a vital role in your family’s healthcare. They are usually the first health professional to see if you have any concerns about your child’s health. For children with complex needs, it is particularly important to develop a long-term relationship with a GP you feel comfortable with and who you can talk to openly and honestly. Your Doctor for Kids GP is an expert in you as an individual. By working together, we at Bay Islands medicals can help your child achieve the best possible healthcare.
Why does your child need a family doctor?
- immunisation
- monitoring your child’s health and development
- treatment of accidents and minor injuries
- working closely with specialists, as needed, to help manage and coordinate your child’s care
- prescribing medicines and ordering health screening and medical tests, such as blood tests and x-rays
- adolescent health (for teenagers), including contraception, mental and sexual health
- coordinating access to Medicare funding, e.g. Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) for allied health treatment such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy for children with diagnosed long-term medical or developmental conditions, as well as mental health plans for access to psychology and behavioural treatment
- providing continuity over time, especially when transitioning from hospital to community-based care or from paediatric services to adult services.
