The GP
Introduction
This leaflet has been prepared in consultation
with parents to help identify which service within
the NHS they should contact when their baby or
child is unwell. This will hopefully help avoid
unnecessary visits to the Accident and Emergency
Department at the hospital.
If your child is suffering with any of the following
conditions, you should contact the surgery and
ask for an appointment or telephone consultation
with a GP.


Repeated vomiting or vomiting on or off for
12 hours or more in addition to other
symptoms such as a fever or a rash.

A fever of over 38 degrees C if they are under
three months old, or 39 degrees C if they are
older than 3 months old

Has an object lodged in their ear or nose. If
the item is stuck in their mouth or throat and
is affecting their breathing, call 999.
The Pharmacist
Your local pharmacist can provide valuable advice
about minor ailments including nappy rash,
medicines that your child may be taking or ‘over
the counter’ medicines which are suitable for
your child. They may suggest you use another
service.
The Health Visitor
The health visiting team can help with any
concerns you have about the well being of your
child until they reach school age when the School
Nurse is there to help. The Health Visitor can
advise on;
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
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Breastfeeding
Starting solids
Developmental issues
Immunisation
Sleep problems
Colic
Nappy rash
You can contact the Health Visiting team in
Long Stratton on 01508 531175
Diarrhoea for more than 12 hours

Persistent crying (for no apparent reason).

Blood streaked vomit or faeces.

An unexpected rash, particularly if it is
accompanied by a fever.

A barking cough, with a loud high pitched
rasping sound when breathing in (croup)

They are dehydrated because they have not
drunk for more than 8 hours or they have had
less than half their usual intake over the
previous 24 hours. Symptoms of dehydration
include dry lips, dark yellow urine and fewer
wet nappies for babies than normal
If the surgery is closed, you should:


Dial 111
or
visit the NHS Walk-in-Centre
– Available 24 hrs,7 days a week
You should dial the NHS 111 service if you think
your child urgently needs medical help but it is
not a 999 emergency. You should also use 111 if
you are not sure whether you need to go to A&E
or don’t know who to call.
You will talk to fully trained advisers or nurses,
who will ask questions to assess your child’s
symptoms, and then give you the healthcare
advice you need or direct you straightaway to the
local service that can help you best.
Local NHS Walk-in Centre
Open 7.00am – 9.00pm 7 days a week.
The NHS Walk-in-Centre is based in the
Castle Mall Shopping Centre, Norwich.
Go to:
Timberhill Health Centre,
Level 4,
115-117 Castle Mall,
Norwich. NR1 3DD
Tel. 01603 611786
The walk in service is available for all patients
whether they are registered with a local surgery
or not. Professional nurses run the centres and
will be on hand to offer help when and where
you need it.
Accident and Emergency at the Hospital
WHEN TO DIAL 999
Sometimes it is appropriate to take your child to
the Accident and Emergency Department at the
Hospital. However, if you are unsure whether to
take your child to A&E, and it is during surgery
opening hours, an initial call to the surgery can
help you decide whether it is necessary.
Tel 01508 530781.
There are some occasions when it may be both
necessary and appropriate to call a paramedic via
999.
You can also dial 111. (See overleaf)
These are some of the reasons why you may
need to call 999:
When you call, you should remain calm and speak
clearly and concisely to the call taker, keeping
your child in your sight at all times.
You should consider A&E if your child;

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Your child has stopped breathing

Your child shows signs of meningitis, such as:
having a fever with cold hands and feet;
unusual crying or moaning; drowsiness;
floppiness; dislike of bright lights; grunting or
rapid breathing; pale blotchy skin or a purplered rash that does not disappear when you
press a glass against it.
Has been cut and there is serious blood loss.

Has had a serious fall and there is a suspected
broken bone.

Swallows or eats anything that may be
poisonous or harmful.
LONG STRATTON MEDICAL PARTNERSHIP

Your child is unconscious or semi conscious

Your child is experiencing a convulsion,
seizure or fit for the first time or one that
lasts more than a minute.

Your child becomes unwell after swallowing
something that is poisonous or harmful
(remember to take the packet or bottle with
you to the hospital).
Who to call
when your child
is unwell
A guide for parents to
help avoid unnecessary
trips to A&E
Swan Lane Surgery
Swan Lane
Tharston
Norfolk
NR15 2UY
Tel. 01508 530781