Need a quick appointment for your sick child?

If your child is very sick and you need to see a doctor right away, we’ve got tips for you so that you can communicate effectively with the doctor’s receptionist.

1. Be sure that your child really does need to see a doctor right away. See our post Is your baby sick enough to need a doctor? to determine if so.
2. Call for an appointment.
3. Be prepared to answer the questions at the end of this post in detail. If you just say “my child is sick”, the receptionist won’t know how serious your child’s illness is and when to fit you into the schedule.

To call for a pediatrician:

• If you are in GESY
  • Contact your regular doctor
• If you are an Asylum Seeker and/or have a Medical Card that requires you to use the General Hospital
  • In Nicosia, call: 22 405 003
  • In Limassol, call: 25 801 320
  • In Larnaca, call: 24 800 438
  • In Paphos, call: 26 803 295
  • In Ammochostos, call: 23 200 000

Be ready to answer these important questions:

• Does the child have a fever (temperature great than 38 degrees C)? If so, what is it?
• What symptoms does the child have? (pain, cough, runny nose, congestion, sore throat)
• Have you given the child any medicine (paracetamol, Calpol, etc)? When and how much?
• Is the child eating?
• Does the child have diarrhea? Is it vomiting? If so, how often?
• Is the child lethargic or playful?
• Is the child acting differently?
• What is your child’s UN XXXXXX number? (6 digit number on the hospital label)

Be as specific and precise as possible so that the doctor can help you!

And please be truthful! You don’t want to give your baby medicines that it doesn’t need. They can do more harm than good when taken incorrectly.

Photo credit: Freepik