A Parent's Guide to Children's Telehealth Consultations

As a parent, few things are more stressful than a sick child — especially when you can't get a GP appointment for days. Telehealth consultations offer a practical solution for many common childhood illnesses, giving parents access to professional medical advice when they need it most.

Children's telehealth consultations work slightly differently from adult appointments. A parent or legal guardian must be present throughout the consultation for any child under 18. The doctor will ask the parent to describe symptoms, and may request that you show them the child via video — for example, to assess a rash, check for signs of dehydration, or observe breathing patterns.

Common childhood conditions suitable for virtual consultations include: ear infections, mild coughs and colds, rashes and skin irritations, stomach bugs and vomiting, conjunctivitis (pink eye), minor allergic reactions, and behavioural or sleep concerns.

However, certain situations always require in-person or emergency care: children under 3 months with a fever above 38°C, difficulty breathing or unusually rapid breathing, severe dehydration (no wet nappies for 12+ hours, sunken fontanelle in babies), seizures or loss of consciousness, and rashes that don't fade under pressure (the glass test).

Many parents tell us that telehealth has been transformative for their families. Instead of spending hours in a waiting room with a sick child (and potentially exposing them to other illnesses), they can get professional advice from home, often within the hour. For working parents juggling childcare and careers, this flexibility is invaluable.

Our doctors are experienced in paediatric consultations and understand that treating children requires patience, clear communication, and a different clinical approach. If at any point they feel a physical examination is necessary, they will direct you to the appropriate in-person service.