You may think paediatricians mainly treat babies and young children, but your child may continue to receive paediatric care through late adolescence, depending on their healthcare needs and local service arrangements. Your teenager may need support with growth, puberty, development, long-term conditions and increasing independence. You should also know that your child does not automatically … Read more
If your child has never needed specialist care, you may not be sure what a paediatrician does. You might think paediatrics is mainly about babies or seriously ill children, but the specialty covers much more. A paediatrician can assess your child’s symptoms, manage illnesses and long-term conditions, and arrange specialist care when needed. Your GP … Read more
If you feel your concerns about your child’s care are not being heard, you can ask for another discussion or review. You may also seek a second opinion if you remain unsure about the diagnosis or treatment. Your child’s healthcare should involve clear communication and shared decisions. If you cannot resolve your concerns, you can … Read more
When your child needs specialist care, you may come across different paediatric specialists. You might see a neurologist, respiratory paediatrician or neonatologist depending on your child’s condition and age. The RCPCH currently offers training in 17 paediatric sub-specialties, including neurology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, neonatal medicine and several other specialist areas. You do not need to … Read more
When you research your child’s care, you may see organisations such as RCPCH and specialist paediatric societies. You may also see their names in clinic profiles or medical guidance. The RCPCH supports paediatric training and standards, while the GMC regulates doctors in the UK. Knowing the difference can help you understand the professionals caring for … Read more
When your child has a long-term condition, they may need regular appointments, medicines and check-ups as they grow. Your paediatrician also considers your child’s growth, development and wellbeing. As your child gets older, you can help them take more responsibility for their health. Your paediatrician can also help coordinate care and prepare your child for … Read more
If your child has an ongoing or unusual health problem, you may wonder whether they need to see a specialist straight away. Your paediatrician will first assess your child’s symptoms and overall health to decide what type of care is most appropriate. Depending on your child’s symptoms and clinical needs, your paediatrician may arrange investigations, … Read more
When your child is unwell, you may expect doctors to use the same approach as they would for adults. However, your child’s age affects normal heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, growth and behaviour. You may also find that your child cannot explain symptoms clearly. Your paediatrician considers your child’s age, development, medical history and behaviour … Read more
If your baby or young child is unwell but cannot tell you where it hurts or what feels different, it can be worrying to wonder how a doctor will work out what is wrong. Paediatricians are trained to look beyond spoken symptoms, using changes in behaviour, feeding, sleep, movement and physical signs together with what … Read more
When you are choosing a paediatrician for your child, a list of letters such as MBBS, MRCPCH or FRCPCH can be difficult to interpret. You may want to know which qualifications show that a doctor has completed specialist paediatric training, what the GMC Specialist Register means and whether additional titles indicate extra expertise. In the … Read more
