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Child health

Important: Emergency/ crisis situations

999 – Serious emergency only (life threatening crisis)

NHS contact 111 – Ask to speak to a mental health advisors

Samaritans – Call 116123 for free or email Jo@samaritans.org

SHOUT – Text for crisis support 24/7 text service 85258

  • Unwell children

    Unwell children can often be brought to the surgery. If you have any doubts about bringing your child to surgery, please phone us and the doctor can advise you. The health visitors are also available to give advice on young children who are unwell.

    Children with a temperature

    Children often have temperatures with viral infections or a cold. It is quite normal to develop a fever as a response to these illnesses. It is wise to keep a supply of paracetamol (Calpol) at home. This reduces the temperature and eases aches and pains. Ibuprofen can be used for infants 3 months + (e.g. Nurofen.)

    If the fever fails to respond to paracetamol alone, tepid sponging to the body may also help. Encourage fluids by mouth at all times.

    If you are worried about your child and wish to be seen by a doctor there is no reason, wrapped up well, that the child cannot be brought to surgery.

  • Child and adolescent mental health service

    0- 19 Service for shore patients.

    Referrals via patient GP.

    Mental Health issues or problems such as anxiety/depression as diagnosed and requiring early intervention.

    Consultations offered by our Child and adolescent nurse specialists, Jodi Bennett and Nicola Roscoe.

    Treatments including CBT techniques, mood enhancing techniques, behavioural management, coping strategies and talking therapy.

  • Kooth

    Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss their mental health issues.

    Website
    Kooth

  • LiveWell Dorset

    Advice and support for stopping smoking, weight management, alcohol reduction and physical activity.

    Website
    www.livewelldorset.co.uk

  • Space- LGBT support

    Welcoming all young gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and questioning (LGBT+) people across Dorset since 2001!

    We aim to support young people who are or may be LGBT+ and empower them to have positive self-esteem,
    to know they are supported, to have a sense of community and to overcome issues caused or intensified by prejudice in order to facilitate freedom of expression.

    Website
    www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk

  • Private counselling

    Find local private counselling services

    Website
    www.counselling-directory.org.uk

  • Rashes in babies and children

    Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about.

    The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.

    Website
    NHS: Rashes in babies and children

  • NHS vaccinations and when to have them

    It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.

    Website
    NHS vaccinations and when to have them

  • Start for Life

    Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

    Website
    Start for Life

  • Child Development Centre

    The Child Development Centre service offers a multi-professional approach to the assessment and treatment of pre-school children with a variety of developmental needs within Poole, Bournemouth and parts of Dorset.

    Website
    Child development centre

  • CAMHS Gateway

    Dorset HealthCare’s CAMHS service has introduced a new part of the service to help manage assessments and provide some brief lower level intervention for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing problems with their mental health. The service acts as the ‘front door’ of CAMHS and has been introduced to help reduce the wait time.

    Website
    CAMHS Gateway

  • Healthier Together

    Healthier Together has been developed in partnership between parents and healthcare professionals from across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
    You’ll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what ‘red-flag’ signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child’s symptoms are likely to last.

    Website
    Healthier Together

Page published: 9 May 2023
Last updated: 21 November 2025