ALWAYS CALL 911 or go to your local emergency department if you feel your child’s health is in imminent risk.
Bleeding, possible concussions, broken bones; if it seems serious then go.
Let’s face it – children have no set schedule or consideration for mom and dads need for sleep when they become sick. The 2 am projectile vomits, mud butts, or weird spots and rashes are all too possible and all too common. Knowledge is power, and having the right instincts in terms of what to do and where to go can do wonders for family stress levels.
ALL CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN BY A PEDIATRICIAN
They should have regularly scheduled check ups.
The U.S. national library of medicine recommends:
that visits occur at the following ages (your provider may have you add or skip visits depending on your child’s health or your parenting experience):
By 1 month 2 months 4 months 6 months 9 months 1 year 15 months 18 months 2 years 2 1/2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 8 years 10 years
Each year after that until age 21
In addition to these visits, call and visit a health care provider any time your baby or child seems ill or whenever you are worried about your baby’s health or development.
Visit Medline Plus for More Information
If your child does not currently have a pediatrician, then the best and fastest way to find out who the closest pediatrician to your postal code that is accepting new patients is by calling Health Care Connect, a doctor finding service hosted by the Ontario government:
call toll free 1-800-445-1822 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and have your child’s health card ready when you call.
HOW TO GET HELP OUTSIDE OF A DOCTOR’S REGULAR HOURS
#1 – Always always always call 911 or go to your local emergency department if you feel your child’s health is in imminent risk. Bleeding, possible concussions, broken bones, if it seems serious then go.
The two emergency rooms in London are located at University Hospital on the Western University campus, and Victoria Hospital, which has its own pediatric emergency room, is at the northeast corner of Baseline and Wellington.
More info including maps can be found at the London Health Sciences Centre.
TELEHEALTH ONTARIO AND POISON CONTROL HAVE TOLL FREE NUMBERS:
Telehealth Ontario
1-866-797-0000
is staffed by a registered nurse 24/7 and will listen to your situation and advise accordingly.
Poison Information Line
1-800-268-9017
if your child swallowed something they shouldn’t have, call 911 and then call the poison information line next and they will advise you what to do while waiting for the ambulance.
MEDPOINT BYRON PEDIATRIC WALK IN CLINIC:
These folks are located in the Metro plaza in Byron, at 1240 Commissioners Rd W. They have 3 pediatricians with a wealth of experience providing coverage, and you can pre-book same day appointments online or by phone 519-472-4343. This clinic is 100% OHIP covered.
Masonville Pediatric Clinic:
Located at 101 Fanshawe Park Rd E, in the Little Caesar’s Plaza beside McDonald’s across from Masonville Mall, this is a great north end option for booking same day pediatric walk in appointments. Their phone number is 519-850-3800.
LONDON PEDIATRICS:
Located at Unit 102, 111 Waterloo St, London Pediatrics will see children for same day or walk in appointments from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 4 pm Saturday or Sunday.
Visit London Pediatrics Clinic for more info or to book online, or call 226-721-KIDS
LATE NIGHT PHARMACIES:
London has some great pharmacies with late night availability, and pharmacists available at all hours to chat in person and advise.
SHOPPERS DRUG MART ADELAIDE AND HURON:
Located at 1118 Adelaide St N, this store is open with a pharmacist on site from 8 am to midnight. They can be reached prior to making the drive at 519-432-1809.
SHOPPERS DRUG MART COMMISSIONERS AND WELLINGTON:
Due to the proximity to the busy Emergency Department at Victoria Hospital, this Shoppers Drug Mart, located at 645 Commissioners Rd E, 519-649-0844, will have its doors open and a pharmacist on site 24 hours a day.
It is highly recommended to call these pharmacies or show up in person and talk to the pharmacist on duty if your child is sick and can’t sleep, but not ill enough to spend possibly a few hours in the emergency room. Relief can often be a simple over the counter medicine away.
Disclaimer: Dad Club London is a group run by dads for dads. Nothing on here should be considered legitimate medical advice, and instead is simply suggestions and opinions. If you’re unsure, call 911 or report to your closest local emergency room.
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