Scarlet fever & Group A Strep advice for parents and carers of children
We are seeing very high demand in our Paediatric Emergency Departments and understand that many parents are concerned by the reports on Strep A and Scarlet Fever in the community.
It is not unusual to have cold symptoms like a runny nose or temperature at this time of year. Most children do not need to see a doctor and will recover well with treatment at home.
Parents should be aware of the symptoms and if you are concerned, seek advice from your local pharmacy, GP or GP Out of Hours in the first instance.
Space within our Emergency Departments is very limited and must be prioritised to care for children with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries that need immediate medical attention.
Make sure to check out the advice sheet on Strep A and Scarlet Fever which can help guide you to make the right choice on when and where to get help.
We are grateful to all our colleagues for their hard work during this exceptionally challenging period and we would like to thank them for their continued care.
Many people say that becoming a parent is one of life’s most challenging and rewarding experiences. As a parent you are constantly worrying, especially when your child is unwell. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources out there to help parents decide what care their child may need.
Birth to five book:
After your baby was born you received a birth to five book which provides information on caring for children up to five years old and contact details for useful organisations.
You can also view this book online.
Information / advice on:
Contact Numbers:
‘Phone First’:
For Patients including children who are unwell and considering travelling to Craigavon Area Hospital or Daisy Hill Hospital Emergency Departments (ED); or South Tyrone Hospital Minor Injuries Unit with an injury or illness which requires urgent treatment but is not immediately life threatening. If you have an urgent problem and are considering ED or Minor Injuries Unit please ‘Phone First’ between 9am and 9pm Monday to Friday on: 0300 123 3 111
Urgent Care (GP) Out of Hours:
The Urgent Care (GP) Out of Hours Service should be used for serious urgent problems that cannot wait until your own GP surgery reopens. Please always phone first on 028 3839 9201 as many patients can be given telephone advice and will not need to attend a centre.