Frequently Asked Questions

I received a letter saying my child needs a Healthy Start for School/4 year old check. Can you do this?

The Healthy Start for School/4-year-old checks are done by the School Health Nurse once your child enters the school system. A pack will go home with your child when the checks are going to be done. You need to complete the information and return it to the school.

If your Centrelink payment is reliant upon your child having the Healthy Start for School check, please write on the front of the envelope “Centrelink” and those children will be seen first.

My baby hasn’t been immunised yet. Can we still attend the Early Parenting Group?

Yes! You and your baby can attend the Early Parenting Group. Most of the children present are not old enough to be immunised.

How do I access my vaccination record?

Parents or guardians of children under 14 years of age and individuals 14 years of age and over can access their immunisation history statement by:

 

Do I need a Doctor’s referral for my child to be assessed by a Speech Therapist/Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Dietitian/Audiologist?

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral. You can self-refer your child by requesting a referral form from us.

 

My child is incontinent during the day, can you help with this?

Unfortunately, our Enuresis Nurse only deals with nocturnal (night-time) wetting. Our Enuresis Nurse accepts referrals for children from the age of 5 and half years. Bunbury Regional Hospital has an incontinence program that may be able to assist. They deal with day-wetting (daytime incontinence) and soiling (faecal incontinence). They can be contacted on 9722 1408.

 

My child has an ear infection/is unwell. Should I reschedule their Audiology appointment (hearing test)?

Please phone and ask to speak with the Audiologist, as they will be able to assess whether or not your child will be able to attend.

 

My child is unwell, is it advisable to have their immunisations at another time?

If your baby has a fever or is very unwell, it is not advisable to have them immunised until they are well.

If your baby has a minor cold or cough, they can still be immunised.

 

Can the Child Health Nurse write out a prescription for my baby/help me if my baby is unwell?

Our Child Health Nurses are not able to diagnose medical issues with your baby, nor can they write a prescription. You can get free health information from Health Direct, 24 hrs a day 7 days a week by phoning 1800 022 222 or you can visit their website www.healthdirect.gov.au. Alternatively, book in to see your GP.

If your child’s condition is of an urgent nature please report to your nearest Emergency Department/Hospital.

 

My child saw a Speech Therapist/Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist/Audiologist/Dietitian last year. Can we book another appointment?

Generally we would like a new referral if we haven’t seen you for over 12 months.  The health professional may contact you for more information in deciding whether a new referral is required or not. 

 

My child has a referral for Speech Therapy/Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy/Audiology/Dietetics. When will I hear about an appointment?

All referrals are prioritised to make sure we see the most urgent referrals first.  There may be a waiting time depending on how many referrals we receive and staff available to see you.  You are welcome to phone us to ensure we have received the referral and we will be in contact with you as soon as an appointment is available.

We sometimes use Contracted Services in an effort to get you seen quicker. We will contact you for your consent to refer your child to a Contracted Service in this instance.

 

Can I go on a cancellation list for an appointment?

Some of our services do have a cancellation list so please phone to see if one exists for your health discipline.

 

Can I change my Child Health Nurse/Clinic?

Yes. You can change which Nurse and which clinic you go to at any time. For your convenience, when your child is first born we allocate you to the closest clinic based on your address.

 

My baby hasn’t had a bowel movement for a few days. Is this normal?

In babies under six months of age, how often they have their bowels open (poo) depends on what they are fed.

Breastfed babies may have a bowel movement up to five times a day, or only once every five days. Their poo is soft and yellow or mustard coloured. It is rare for breastfed babies to be constipated.

Formula fed babies usually have a bowel movement more frequently (1-2 times per day). Their poo is often firmer and more green-brown in colour. Bottle-fed babies might be constipated because the milk formula may not have enough water in it.

If you think your baby is constipated see your GP.

Please note if your baby has diarrhoea and it continues or is severe, seek medical attention quickly.

 

I have just moved to Western Australia, how do I find a Child Health Nurse?

Call us on 1800 457 949. We will register you and your child on our system and advise where your nearest clinic is. We can make the appointment at the same time. Please have your Medicare card ready.

 

I do not have a Medicare Card. Can my child still see a Child Health Nurse?

Yes. You can still access a Child Health Nurse and have your child immunised if you do not have a Medicare Card.

You will need a Medicare Card to access Allied Health Services such as Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Dietetics.

 

How do I make a complaint/give a compliment?

You can provide feedback to us in many ways. You can phone us and give your feedback verbally, in person or you can fill in a Consumer Feedback Form. Consumer Feedback Forms are available at all of our clinics. If you would like a Feedback Form sent to you please phone us and we will arrange that for you.

If you would like to speak to a Manager this can be arranged – please ask any member of staff.

Please note that lodging a complaint will not impact any future care or treatment you receive from our services.  We are also welcoming of any suggestions you may have in improving our service.