An Outpatient appointment is a consultation with a healthcare professional. This could be a doctor, nurse or allied health professional (dietitian, social worker, physiotherapist).

An Outpatient appointment will be a face-to-face meeting to gain a better understanding of your child's symptoms. They will discuss with you an anticipated course of treatment, what will happen and how care will be delivered.

If your child has been in contact with or is recovering from an infectious disease like COVID-19, chicken pox or measles or has had any recent illnesses such as a fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or any new rashes or spots (unrelated to their condition), please phone the hospital or clinic. 

We will let you know whether we need to re-arrange the appointment for when your child is better.

If you need help with any of the following, please phone the number on your appointment letter:

• sight, hearing or require an interpreter
• mobility, specialised equipment or any other need.

Make sure you have everything listed below ready to show hospital staff:

• your child’s appointment letter
• your child's personal health record, e.g. blue book, immunisation record and any other health summaries you may have
• Medicare card
• health insurance details or evidence of current fund membership
• a list of medications or treatments your child is currently receiving, as well as the medications themselves to show hospital staff
• any equipment which your child needs to aid mobility, feeding or communication
• your family doctor's name, address and phone number
• your general paediatrician's name, address and phone number if your child sees one regularly
• any relevant x-rays and results from pathology tests
• any questions you may have for the doctor (you may want to write these down to help you remember).

There are play facilities in the hospital however it is a good idea to bring favourite toys, books, hand held games and more with you to keep your child distracted and relaxed while waiting for their appointment. You may also want to bring a drink and a snack for them.

Remember to bring the details of your appointment with you.

When you arrive, go to the department named in the appointment details and register with the reception or kiosk at the time you have been given. You may be asked to arrive slightly before your appointment time. Ask the hospital front desk for directions if you do not know where to go. 

Allow plenty of time for your visit, especially if this is your first appointment.

You may be asked whether you're happy for healthcare professionals who are training, such as medical students or training nurses, to be there during the appointment. You can say no if you're not comfortable with this.

In the appointment, share any information you've prepared with your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional. Giving them this information and asking any questions you have will help you get the most out of your child's appointment.

You might be asked to arrange future appointments only when your child's symptoms or your circumstances change.

If you're unsure of anything, ask your healthcare professional to explain it again or to write it down for you.

You might find it helpful to take some notes during your appointment. You can look back at these at home or at your follow-up appointment.

At the end of the appointment, we will tell you if we want to see your child again and when. You can go to the reception desk to make another appointment, or an appointment date and time will be sent to you.