'Do not delay' seeking help for sick children – NHS Grampian medic
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PARENTS are being urged not to delay seeking treatment for sick youngsters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The advice comes after a "small but worrying number of cases" in Scotland where it is feared children have become very sick – or even died – because they weren’t seen early enough by medics.
Senior clinicians at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital (RACH) have reached out to parents and guardians urging them to still seek treatment for youngsters if they become unwell.
Consultant paediatrician and unit clinical director for child health Marianne Cochrane said it was important people knew who to turn to in the current climate if a child becomes ill.
She reminded the public that RACH was still treating patients not affected by coronavirus.
Dr Cochrane said: "While we are very grateful to the public for their responsible use of the NHS at this time, we want to reassure parents everywhere that we are still here for you if your child becomes ill with non-COVID-19 symptoms.
"Do not delay seeking medical advice. If you need to come into our emergency departments, there are clear streams for those patients with possible COVID-19 symptoms and those who are otherwise unwell in order to keep these groups separate and minimise risk to all.
"Our staff are continuing to assess and admit children and young people who require urgent or emergency treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are also working closely with our GP colleagues to give advice, ensuring that children only attend hospital if absolutely necessary.
"All routine outpatient activity has ceased, and patients who need urgent or ongoing assessment or treatment have been or will be contacted by their individual services to arrange this.
"We want to maintain contact with parents and children to support them during this worrying time, so we have set up methods to do this via NHSG social media and e-mail."
Dr Cochrane's message has been backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Professor Steve Turner, officer for Scotland for RCPCH, said: "During the COVID-19 crisis, parents and carers up and down the country have been doing the right thing by keeping children with minor ailments at home and, on behalf of NHS staff, we really want to thank them for their help.
"We’ve recently heard reports of a small but worrying number of cases where children may have become very unwell or even died because they weren’t seen early enough.
"There could be a number of reasons for this and we’re trying to find out more but our message to parents is clear: if your child is very unwell, please don’t delay, we want to see them – we don't want parents to wait or to worry.
"If parents are concerned and can’t get through on the phone to their GP (during working hours) or 111 (outside of working hours), they can go to the chemist and ask to see a pharmacist.
"If parents are very worried, they can go to a local urgent care centre (also known as a minor injuries unit) or to A&E. Hospitals have measures in place to help protect people from COVID-19."
