Registration

All new patients to The Royal Children's Hospital  will be required to complete a registration form on arrival at your appointment.

What to bring

On the day of your appointment please bring your

• Medicare Card
• Child Health Record
• Any reports or x-rays that are relevant to this visit.

Preparing your child for their visit

Here are some useful tips to prepare you child for their outpatient visit.

• Explain the reason for the visit, using word's your child can understand. Answer questions simply and honestly.
• Let your child know you will be there throughout the entire appointment.

Infants: bring a familiar object (such as a toy or blanket) with you to help make your baby feel more secure. If babies are due to be fed, come prepared with a bottle or food.

Toddlers: use simple words and phrases to discuss the visit with your child. Explain exactly what will take place right before the visit. Let your child bring a book or favourite toy. Bring juice or water if your visit is likely to last longer than one hour.

Preschoolers: answer questions truthfully, using words your child understands. Tell your child the doctor's name. Encourage your child to ask the doctors and nurses questions about what will happen. A snack or juice may help a hungry or thirsty preschooler during your wait.

School-age children: give honest and accurate information. Tell him or her about the appointment a couple of days in advance. Emphasise that an outpatient visit is not a hospital admission and does not mean an overnight stay. Have your child bring a special toy or game.

Teenagers: inform your teenager about the appointment when you make it. Encourage him or her to ask questions and express feelings. Answer questions honestly. Also, assure your teen that it is OK to ask questions of the doctors and nurses.

Play Therapy

Play Therapists are employed in Specialist Clinics.

Play activities are provided for children while they wait for their appointment. Play therapists are assisted by trained volunteers.

Diagnostic and Testing Services

The Royal Children's Hospital provides a full range of diagnostic and testing services.

In some cases you may need to have a test or x-ray performed prior to seeing the doctor. If this is the case, Specialist Clinics will schedule a time as close as possible to your appointment. You will receive a letter advising you of this.