Can I take DS to

The Childrens Hospital if I think he needs to see someone over the weekend? I am in Brisbane.

DS has had a respiratory infection (started from cold about a fortnight ago). He has just finished a dose of anti-biotics but still has a wicked cough that we are keeping a watch on.

I am not concerned at moment, he is happy, alert, drinking, even willing to try food, moving about, sleeping.. All the normal things.

But I just wanted to know whether I can take him to the childrens hospital, rather than our local A&E if he does happen to go downhill over the weekend when our dr's isn't open?

Sorry if my question sounds really dumb, but I have never really thought about it before, and every time I have had to go to our local a&e (accompanying family members), I have not had a good success rate of understanding the dr's, and I also want to make sure they are used to dealing with children..

TIA..

If you are concerned and if the childrens has an A and E as I would assume it does have then yes for sure take him.

Hope there is no need to and that he is well again soon.

xoxo

DS had a pimple up his nose (on his birthday, no less). We took him to our local hosp on Wednesday night, sent us home with antibiotics, DR next day agreed. Friday morning some swelling had started, took him to the Royal Childrens (in Brisbane) and they saw us almost immediately and ended up admitting us. We were there 3days.

Next time DS has any kind of issue, he's going straight to that hospital. Can't thank them enough.

Thanks girls..

I don't think I will need to take him (and it honestly takes a lot for me to consider going to the dr or hospital), but it helps to know for future reference.

Don't hesitate to take him if you are unsure. Sorry, don't know what A&E is?

I have found the Nurse On Call line very useful too, late at night when I have wondered if I should take DD to the children's . (1300 60 60 24)

In the first instance I would call the Health Helpline, and they can do an assessment over the phone, I have found this very thorough and they have been able to hear DD's breathing when doing these assessments and they also tell you what to look for to determine if they are really struggling or not.

The next stop would be the childrens hospital, for us it is always the first choice even though we have another A & E probably a little closer, the WCH has all of her records, she has a history, and if things have gone pear shaped, she goes through straight away. After so many visits we know at what point to take her before it gets too bad.

TBH if it is respiratory and there is a neck tug (drawing in of the skin at the base of the neck) and chest recessions, your GP would send you straight to the Chidlren's Hospital anyway as your GP cannot check their O2 saturations, and this generally is only done in hospital.

I am glad to hear that he is going well and hopefully you won't need to take him anywhere :hug: