Our role is to ensure that each child and family that attends the practice is provided with appropriate care and well-being, with your child’s health and welfare our priority. We embrace all different family dynamics, with many coming from separated families. 

 

To best support children and families, it is important that we reduce any conflict or communication break downs that may limit collaboration and treatment outcomes. 

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We adhere to the following guidelines to ensure children’s wellbeing is prioritized:

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• Our expectation is that separated parents will work together in a respectful and cooperative manner. Both caregivers and the young person themselves, should be part of the decision making when discussing medical treatment.
   

• Either parent or legal guardian has equal rights to schedule an appointment, be present at the appointment, and sent copies of correspondence UNLESS there are legal documents or court orders restricting their involvement.
   

• We encourage all caregivers to attend appointments and can facilitate parties to join over the phone or telehealth if this is more convenient.
   

• If only one caregiver is attending an appointment; it is expected that each carer will inform the other that they are attending an appointment with the child and will communicate the outcomes of the appointment, including any recommended investigations or treatments. 
   

• Reports or letters will be sent to the caregiver who attends the appointment, with the responsibility of that carer to provide copies to other caregivers. 
   

• If you wish to see the Paediatrician without your child, the appointment should be booked under your name. There is no Medicare rebate available for these appointments.
   

• If there are significant conflicts, we reserve the right to request court orders or obtain signed consent from both caregivers. 
   

• We reserve the right to limit our services until the dispute has been resolved. 
   

• Payment is required on the day. If there is an agreement for the other caregiver to pay half, it is up to the carer on the day to settle the account and collect reimbursement for the other carer. 
   

• It is not our responsibility to ensure shared care arrangements are met by each carer. 
   

• We do not provide any expert family assessments for the purpose of legal decision making. 

 

To provide the best care for your child, we request you provide all information about your family circumstances at your first appointment or if circumstances change.