BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Although you might have flitted between doctors before becoming a parent, there’s nothing like a colicky newborn (or a new case of hand, foot and mouth disease) to make you realise how important a dedicated family doctor is! 

A great GP will provide comfort in times of need, and when you have a little one, they’re your go-to for childhood checks, vaccinations, health screening, prescriptions, referrals and on-the-spot treatment. 

Seeing the same friendly doctor is great for your child’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing as they grow and develop; and finding the right family doctor is a bit like searching for childcare! 

After all, you’re looking for someone you can trust to care for your child’s wellbeing; and factors like quality, cost, availability, convenience and ‘feel’ definitely matter. 

So, where to start? 

Well, to help you find a fantastic general practitioner for your child, and perhaps yourself, we’ve sought the advice of the Raising Children Network. 

Director, Derek McCormack, explains that, “A long-term relationship with your GP is important for your child’s health – both now and in the future – and although it may not be possible to keep the same doctor for decades, it is important to find someone you and your child feel comfortable with, and can trust to understand your needs.” 

When it comes to specifics, you may be looking for a doctor with a special interest in paediatrics, someone from the same the cultural background as your family, or a person with a particularly gentle bedside manner. 

Whatever your priorities, Derek says the best way to start your search is by speaking with other parents!  

He says, “People you meet at parents’ group, playgroup, long day care, kindy, preschool or even the playground might be able to recommend a family-friendly doctor in the area.  

“You might also get a good recommendation from your local pharmacist, the person who delivered your baby, or a child and family health nurse in your community health centre.” 

Derek says, “You can also search for a general practice in your area using HealthDirect’s Service Finder, and this a great way to find other health professionals as well, such as a speech pathologist, paediatric podiatrist, or parent and family support service.” 

Once you have a good recommendation (or three), it’s time to do a little research. 

The Raising Children Network suggests that you consider the following matters when checking whether a particular doctor, and their medical practice, will fit with your family:   

Convenience  

• How easy will it be to attend the practice, either pushing your pram, parking the car, or catching public transport?  

• Does the practice have other services under the same roof, or close by, such as a pathology service?  

• Are there plenty of things to keep your child entertained in the waiting room, such as toys, books, crayons and paper? 

Hours 

• What are the opening hours of the practice, and does your prospective GP work certain days?  

• Does this timing suit you? 
  
  

Cost  

• Does your prospective GP bulk bill, and if not, how affordable are the fees for your family?  

Availability  

• How busy is your preferred GP?  

• Will you be able to see them when needed, or are waiting lists long and other doctors regularly offered?  

• Does this worry you, or are you happy to see another doctor now and then? 
  
  

Quality  

• What experience and special interests does your prospective GP have?  

• Do they work out of an accredited general practice, which has been assessed against the Standards for healthcare quality and patient safety? 

Appointments  

• How do you book appointments at the practice, and how much time can you expect to get with the doctor?  

• What happens if you need a last-minute appointment, or have to cancel?  

• If you can’t make it to the practice in person, are phone or video appointments an option? 
  
  

Communication  

• What’s communication like at the practice? Is everyone welcoming and professional?  

• How will you be told about upcoming appointments and test results? 

Derek explains that, “You’ll be able to answer a lot of these questions by looking at the medical practice’s website, and you can also direct queries to Reception by phone or email, or visit the practice to get a real sense of the people and the place.” 

If you feel that a certain family doctor will be great, the next step is to make an appointment with them. 

This first meeting will tell you a lot about the GP’s professionalism and personality, however great partnerships can’t be rushed, and it may take some time to build a rapport with the doctor, and decide whether they’re the perfect person to care for your needs.  

As a guide, the Raising Children Network says you will know that a GP is right for your family when they use each appointment to: 

• Listen to you, and address your concerns in a sensitive and responsive way 

• Interact with your child, no matter how young they are 

• Help you feel confident about caring for your sick child at home 

• Understand your child’s development and show sensitivity to their needs 

• Understand the ups and downs of home life 

• Acknowledge your parenting strengths  

• Help you find ways to look after yourself, while looking after your family.  
  
  

And, just like with the childcare search, feel matters a lot. 

When you have a great GP, you’ll: 

• Feel comfortable asking them any health-related questions 

• Feel heard and understood by them 

• Feel a sense of trust in their knowledge and skills 

• Feel more confident after seeing them, or feel ok about making another appointment if you have lingering concerns, and  

• Feel safe in the knowledge that they’ll refer you to a medical specialist if needed.  
  
  

When you do find a great GP for your child, you will feel supported, and the care they offer will definitely be a comfort in the months and years to come.  

You’re very welcome to use the same doctor as your child, or choose your own, and although continuity of care is great for your little one, there’s definitely no obligation to keep the same doctor if your situation, or feelings, change.  

The main thing is that you always prioritise your family’s health, and take the time to find the right doctor at the right time.

And we wish you very well with this!