The paediatric team at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals would like to thank all parents and carers for their support and appropriate use of A&E during this pressured time. Parents and carers are really heeding the advice to not use emergency paediatric services for minor issues in their child’s heath and to stay at home where possible.
However, the safety and wellbeing of your child remains our absolute priority and we would like to remind parents and carers that they must still seek the appropriate advice and help with any medical concerns. Most importantly, in the case of serious accident, emergency or if your child is very unwell or deteriorating, you must bring them to A&E or dial 999 as you would usually. The team will be here and ready to care for your child – please do not delay.
Otherwise if you think your child has symptoms of COVID you should call NHS 111 for advice. You should contact your GP with any other concerns, as you would usually do.
If your child has a pre-existing condition that requires regular input from medical personnel, the paediatric department is still available to you – through your GP and clinics as usual. Access to clinics is likely to be through telephone consultation and assessment. If face-to-face urgent consultation is required this will be organised with your safety in mind.
Whilst it is a very unusual and busy time, please do continue to access medical advice as you would do normally. You may be assessed in a slightly different way, such as via telephone, but you will be signposted to the appropriate service to ensure your child receives the right care.
