Yes, children of any age, including newborns. A parent or someone with parental responsibility must book and be present throughout.
The age is not really the rule though — the presenting problem is.
- Any unwell or feverish infant needs in-person assessment the same day, whatever their age in months. Not us, and not a video call with anyone else
- A baby under three months with a fever needs in-person assessment straight away, whoever they see
- Well babies and children with non-acute problems — a rash, feeding, reflux, sleep, continuing something already started — are well suited to video. If the GP decides early on that your baby needs examining, you will be told where to go and the appointment is refunded
Remote consultation works well for a great deal of childhood illness — rashes, which are often clearer on video than described over the phone; ear and throat symptoms; eczema; asthma reviews; and the common question of whether something needs to be seen in person tonight or can safely wait.
Bring a recent weight. Children are dosed by weight rather than age, and for a baby a weight from a few months ago is out of date.
For any child who is very unwell — drowsy, breathing hard, a rash that does not fade under a glass, not drinking, or simply not right in a way you cannot put your finger on — trust that instinct and go to A&E or call 999. Do not wait for an appointment.