WATCH: NI paediatrician urges parents to access right service at right time this winter

Northern Ireland's health and social care system is facing a very “difficult winter period”.

That was the message from Stormont's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt last month when he launched a Winter Preparedness Plan. It includes additional funding for GP and residential care homes, phone first services for all NI health trusts and vaccination programmes.

Ahead of another highly challenging season for healthcare, people are being urged to familiarise themselves with health services ahead of increased pressure on hospitals at this time of year.

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The Department of Health has highlighted how parents and carers can take steps to ensure children and young people get the care they need by accessing the right service at the right time.

If you have any concerns about your child’s health, seek advice and support as soon as possible. Children who require urgent medical attention should attend their local Emergency Department.

If your child is unwell and does not require urgent care, use the NI Children’s symptom checker for advice and guidance. You can also contact your GP or out of hours service.

Dr Shilpa Shah, Consultant Paediatrician at Blossom Children and Young People’s Centre in Craigavon Area Hospital, is encouraging parents to use the children’s symptom checker, and if you need to come to hospital be assured that each Trust has dedicated paediatric units.

All of these units have highly skilled staff where your child will receive the same level of safe and effective care irrespective of where they live.

She added: “We know it can be a worry when your child is unwell. During the winter months, we see many more children with high temperatures, rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Parents should always be vigilant for Covid, flu, RSV and other infections. The online symptom checker is a useful guide on when to use home treatments and when to seek professional help.

“You can ask your community pharmacist, GP or if you think it's more serious, phone your urgent care. If you feel your child has very acute symptoms that cannot wait, bring them to the nearest ED or call 999.

“Paediatric units all work together to make sure that all children get the care they need. Please do not worry if your child is directed to another hospital. They will always receive the same high quality care.”

Minister Nesbitt added: “During the winter period, extra pressure is added to our paediatric services by the increase in seasonal illnesses, such as respiratory conditions and winter vomiting bugs. Please be assured that plans are in place to deal with these pressures and protect vital children’s services.

“Across our hospital network, dedicated paediatric teams are available to deliver high levels of care if your child does need to come to hospital - these services can help to ensure your child is seen as quickly as possible and as close to home as possible.

“Every parent’s primary focus is to make sure their child gets the care they need in a timely way. Whilst it is understandably stressful and worrying when a child falls ill, they may not necessarily need to attend hospital to get the right care.

“Please consider if other services can provide the advice and treatment your child needs during the busy winter period.”

Advice and treatment on a range of common winter illnesses is also available from community pharmacists, including a new ‘Pharmacy First for Sore Throats’ Service, which is available now to anyone aged five years and over.

More information about the Pharmacy First service can be found on the HSC NI website.

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