Enrolling newborns with a GP
|
Recent policy changes mean that newborn babies can now be enrolled with their GP soon after birth. An established relationship with a primary health care provider is a critical factor in children receiving essential healthcare and the timely delivery of immunisations.
|
You might also be interested in ...
Baby poo guide
Baby poo and understanding what’s in babies’ nappies always seems to be a hot topic amongst new parents! It’s hard not to notice how much baby poo varies from nappy change to nappy change. Find out what’s normal and what’s not, the difference between breastfed and formula fed babies’ poo and starting on solids.
Colic - symptoms, causes & treatments
Does your baby suffer from colic? Colic in newborns and young babies is not uncommon. We take a look at the symptoms of colic, possible causes that make infants colicky and the treatment options available to relieve baby colic.
join usJoin us on social media for all our latest news. 
|
sign upSign up and receive our latest newsletters. |
|
New Zealand research has found that an established relationship with a primary health care provider is a critical factor in children receiving essential healthcare and the timely delivery of immunisations.
Currently fewer than 50% of newborns are enrolled with a GP at 12 weeks.
However, under the new enrolment policy, GP practices can now enter newborns into their patient database as soon as they are nominated as the baby’s GP by the parents at the birthing unit, rather than waiting to enrol them at their first doctor’s appointment.
One of the benefits of the new system is that practices will be able to remind parents when their baby is due for their first immunisation at six weeks of age and going forwards.
Check out our other Hot Topics on:
- When to see a doctor
- NICU - common terms explained
- Dealing with accidents at home
Source NZ Ministry of Health. Image source: Dreamtime