For Patients and Visitors
The paediatric service at Northern Health provides inpatient and outpatient care for infants, children and adolescents from birth to 18 years of age. We staff a Children’s Unit, Neonatal Unit and a broad range of outpatient clinics.
What can I expect from the service?
The medical team consists of 17 paediatricians and neonatologist, working closely with specialising and junior doctors, experienced paediatric nurses, and allied health practitioners. We correspond with your GP to update them with your management plan.
Once your child is referred to an outpatient clinic, the request is processed, and you will receive a letter confirming acceptance of the referral and either an appointment date or an approximate “planned” appointment date. Appointment times will be confirmed by mail if more than 10 days away, or via SMS if within 10 days. Outpatient services are provided face to face or via telehealth (video or telephone) appointments. If you have concerns about accessing the internet, please contact the Telehealth Hub phone 8405 8774. Interpreters are available if required, for more information see: https://www.nh.org.au/service/transcultural-language-services-tals/
What do I bring/need for my appointment?
For outpatient appointments, please have your referral letter, any relevant investigation results and your baby’s infant health record (green book). If previously seen by a paediatrician or allied health practitioner copies of their assessment is helpful. If there are concerns regarding learning or behaviour in a school aged child please bring a copy of the most recent school report.
If having a telehealth consultation, please ensure you are free to login from a quiet/private area at the time of your consultation. Your child must be present for the consultation. Please have the above-mentioned information available.
If being admitted to the Children’s Unit or Neonatal Unit please bring your mobile phone charger, clothes and toiletries, nappies, a comfort toy or pacifier and any non-standard formula. One parent or guardian is welcome to stay at the bedside 24 hours; please check with the nurse in charge for current guidelines regarding additional visitors. Your child may require a Covid test before moving to the ward.
We strive to provide family-centred care and uphold the rights of children and young people at all times. A playroom is available for children and lactation support available for breastfeeding mothers. We are a friendly team and always aim to minimise pain or distress for children during their hospital stay.
Contact us
A/Prof Wei Qi Fan – Head of Neonatal Unit
Rami Subhi – Head of Paediatric Unit
To enquire about your referral:
Specialist clinics: 8405 8335
Email:
SpecialistClinics@nh.org.au
For other enquiries:
Nurse in charge – Children’s Unit: phone 8405 2795
Nurse in charge – Neonatal Unit phone 8405 8207
For Health Professionals
Service Overview
Northern Health provides inpatient and outpatient services for neonates, infants, children and adolescents up to age 18 years. Inpatient services include a 22 bed Children’s Unit and 21 bed Level 5 Neonatal Unit. General paediatricians and neonatologists provide 24 hour cover for admitted patients and support to the emergency department and maternity services. We care for neonates from 31 weeks gestation onwards.
Outpatient services are provided at Northern Hospital Epping and Craigieburn Centre. Clinics include:
General paediatrics
Behavioural/developmental paediatrics
Paediatric allergy
Respiratory medicine
Rheumatology
Neurology
Immigrant Health
Continence
Pathology:
A range of pathology services are offered at Northern Pathology for children. Please see www.northernpath.org.au for sites and opening times.
Imaging:
Our Radiology department can facilitate paediatric imaging. For more complex referrals requiring sedation, please discuss with paediatrician on-call via the switchboard.
Inclusion criteria for outpatient clinics:
Infants and children under 18 years of age
Northern Health catchment area includes children living within the Local Government Areas of Hume City, Whittlesea City, Mitchell Shire Councils and some suburbs of Merri-bek (formerly Moreland).
Exclusion criteria:
We do not currently offer subspecialty consultations in paediatric cardiology, endocrinology, haematology or gastroenterology. Please refer directly to Royal Children’s Hospital or Monash Children’s Hospital for these services.
How to Refer:
GP Referrals: use HealthLink SmartForms to send referrals to Northern Health, including investigation results and reports.
Other health services (hospitals, allied health, specialists etc): Fax referral to 8405 8616
Referral must include:
- A list of medical conditions and any relevant investigations
- Current medications and allergies
- Growth parameters (if relevant)
- Allied health referrals or assessments (eg. audiology, speech)
- Importantly – for children being referred for behavioural and developmental assessment, please consider organising hearing and vision tests and making relevant allied health and/or NDIS referrals when seen in the community as there are currently long waiting times
Pre-referral guidelines available at:
HealthPathways https://melbourne.communityhealthpathways.org/LoginFiles/Logon.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f
Alternative service options:
DPV Health see: dpvhealth.org.au
Royal Children’s Hospital outpatient services for cardiology, endocrinology, haematology and gastroenterology.
Director/Head of Unit:
Rami Subhi, Head of Unit, Paediatrics
