NSLHD News May 8

paediatricians say do not delay bringing kids to hospital

Members of the paediatric team at Royal North Shore Hospital

when they become unwell and keep them at home longer which means they eventually arrived sicker,” she said. “The fact that our Emergency Departments and the children’s wards are very quiet worries us. “We are concerned about the kids that are at home but should be coming to hospital.” Nurse Unit Manager Claire Blackburn said there is far more risk in presenting later than getting checked out earlier. “When you speak to parents, they are worried about their child but they don’t want to bother us because they think we are too busy,” she said. “But we actually want you to come in so we can provide the best, safest care for your child.”

prepared with all additional COVID-19 precautions and procedures in place to care for sick children and young people. “We would like the community to know that it is safe for children and adults to come to hospital if needed because any potential risk of infection with the COVID-19 virus is very carefully managed, for patients as well as staff.” Fellow paediatrician Dr Helen Goodwin said a drop in presentations to Emergency Departments could be partially explained by children not sharing other common viruses due to the current COVID-19 social restrictions, but families were also keeping their kids at home when they shouldn’t be. “People seem to be afraid to bring their children to hospital

Royal North Shore’s Paediatric team is encouraging the local community to not delay bringing children to hospital if needed during this pandemic. If your child is unwell, our dedicated team of Paediatric nurses and doctors are here for you 24/7 from when you present to the Emergency Department, are admitted to the ward - if this is needed - right through to being discharged. Paediatrician Dr Carola Wittekind encourages parents to follow their instincts and bring their child to hospital as they normally would. “We have seen children who have come in later and, unfortunately, have been sicker than they would have been if they had presented earlier,” she said. “We are fully equipped and

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