Childrens Healthcare
For many children, a visit to their GP usually occurs just now and again. Children with specific health conditions such as asthma may visit us on a more regular basis; while children living with a chronic illness such as diabetes may have a more significant relationship with us as, we become an important part of their lives.
Regardless of how often your child may visit our service, we will do our very best to ensure this is a positive experience, where you and your child feel respected, listened to and supported in our care.
We provide child-friendly healthcare with a smile, an understanding and listening ear, and the very best in evidence-based care.
At Portumna Primary Care, we champion the health and wellbeing of children and pride ourselves on providing a child-friendly healthcare service for all.
Childhood Vaccinations
Childhood vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect your child against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccinations are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended by the health authorities for two reasons:
- To protect your child from disease and
- To protect the spread of disease among the wider community
Common Questions
The Common Cold
Children are particularly prone to colds and flu as it takes time for their immune system to build up resistance to these viruses.
Colds and flu can occur all year around, but are especially common during the winter months.
Always contact us if your baby’s temperature is 38C (100.4F) or higher if they are under three months, or 39C (102.2F) or higher they are three to six months.
Constipation
Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in babies and young children. In Ireland, almost one in three parents has reported constipation at some point in their child’s life.
Constipation occurs when your child is unable to pass poo regularly or completely empty their bowl. Your child’s poo can become hard and bulky, as well as unusually large or small.
Asthma
Asthma is a very common condition in Ireland. In fact, Ireland has the fourth highest rate of asthma in the world.
Asthma is a narrowing of the airways so much so that it becomes difficult to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that affects people of all ages but is particularly common among young children.
It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the tummy, and is commonly referred to as a tummy bug. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea.
The Chicken Pox Vaccine
The chickenpox vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your child from the varicella zoster virus.
Chickenpox is a very common childhood infection where symptoms are mild and complications rare. Almost all children develop immunity to chickenpox after infection, so they only catch it once
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is a major health concern for children in Ireland. Research indicates that one in four children in Ireland is now overweight or obese.
Children who are very overweight tend to grow up to obese adults, and this can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes and some cancers in later life.
GP Visit Card for Under 6s
The GP Visit card for under 6s entitles all children aged six or under and living in Ireland, to free GP care. To avail of free healthcare for under 6s, you must register for the scheme with the HSE and sign up to your chosen GP.
Medical Card Holders
If your child or children already have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card they will automatically be registered for this new scheme.
How to Register for Non Medical Card Holders
- Go to gpvisitcard.ieand follow the steps on the HSE website. You will need the:
- PPS number of the child or children you wish to register, and the
- PPS number of the child’s Parent/Guardian
What is not covered by the scheme?
The GP Visit Card for under 6s covers most of your child’s routine health needs.
The scheme does not, however, cover certain non-medical services. Although we are happy to still provide the services to you, they will incur a fee.
Non-Medical Card Holders/Private Patients
If your child or children already have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card they will automatically be registered for this new scheme.
What is covered by the scheme?
The GP Visit Card for under 6s covers all GP visits, two periodic assessments at the ages of two and five, and healthcare for children living with asthma.
Plan Your Child’s Visit
Developing an ongoing relationship with a general practitioner (GP) who you trust and are comfortable with is an effective way of managing your families health and wellbeing.
A basic plan can help you make the most of your appointment whether you it is your first visit or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years.
