Finding the right general practitioner (GP) for your child is very important. These professionals won’t just help treat and overcome all of the many common conditions that your little one might face, they are also invaluable for detecting serious health issues that might severely affect your child’s development or threaten their life.
It is also important for your little one to feel comfortable with your GP or future doctor visits will become very stressful. So, how do you choose the right GP for your child? We have some good tips for you.
Find Someone Conveniently Located
Choosing a GP close to home offers a lot of convenience. It is much easier and more affordable to travel to a GP located within the Sutherland Shire. Also, going local can keep parents from postponing appointments for too long, so little ones can receive medical intervention sooner.
Check Reviews or Recommendations
You can ask other parents, schools, or kindergartens for some recommendations. These personal recommendations are always great for locating a GP who is great with kids. Remember to also check out reviews about the clinic or medical professional. These reviews can be very helpful for finding a great GP.
Look for Experience
Not all doctors are experienced in treating children or as skilled in children’s healthcare. That’s why it is usually better to find a GP with experience in children’s healthcare. Look for doctors who emphasise paediatrics, children’s health and developmental check-ups.
Consider Appointment Availability
It is also good to consider appointment availability. Using the best GP in Sutherland Shire doesn’t help much if the clinic is always fully booked or if you find it hard to get an appointment when your child is feeling ill. That’s why larger clinics, or clinics with multiple GPs in their team can be ideal for families.
Consider Communication Style
Children’s GPs should listen carefully when parents explain the symptoms their children are facing. They should also be able to respond to your requests or enquiries in a friendly tone that doesn’t leave you feeling humiliated. A good GP should be able to inform parents or children without talking down to them.
While keeping your feelings in mind, the GP should still be real and honest when making a diagnosis or about the possible results for tests.
Learn More About The Clinic Facilities
Try to find out as much as possible about the clinic’s facilities or the treatment options they provide. Combination facilities like Shire Doctors and Dentistry can be an ideal solution for parents because we also offer dental healthcare services, including children’s dentistry. It is a one-stop healthcare facility that can fulfil most of your family’s healthcare needs.
Monitor Your Child’s Reaction
A child should feel comfortable with their GP. Children should also be treated as painlessly as possible so they won’t feel traumatised by the experience. If your little one doesn’t feel at ease, future trips to the clinic might be a nightmare. It is always good for parents to trust their instincts when it comes to healthcare providers. If children are uneasy during visits or become anxious about the idea of going to the doctor, then it is best to seek a more suitable family GP.
Find The Best Children’s GP in Shire
If you need a reliable GP to help with your child’s healthcare needs, then we welcome you to visit Shire Doctors and Dentistry. Our medical practice can support you with a variety of paediatric healthcare services, including paediatrics, immunisations, development check-ups, and even adolescent mental health treatments. We are here for your whole family.
