It’s 9:30pm. Your baby is burning up. Do you make the trek to the emergency room or wait until the morning to see your GP. Now’s there’s another option. Cub Care, an after-hours doctor service that specialises in babies and children.
Cub Care is a video telehealth service that connects families quickly with a senior paediatric specialist. Not a nurse or a GP but a paediatrician, instead. On the Cub Care team are 10 paediatric doctors.
The way it works is simple – Book online through their form. They will grab a few basic details, then text you a link to a secure consult with one of their doctors. They are online from 4pm to 10pm every night (AEST).Â
Online healthcare for kids
On the video chat, the doctor will be able to ask you questions, discuss your concerns and monitor your child. After your consult, you can still contact them, and they also check back with you to make sure everything is going OK.
There is a small fee involved ($109) and you can also get a Medicare rebate but you will need a referral from your GP first. So, if your infant is feeling sick, it’s a good idea to ask for a Cub Care referral just in case.
Virtual ward a game-changer!
One of the things we especially love about this new service is that they have a ‘virtual ward’ where a doctor can monitor your infant throughout the evening via video. They can track their breathing patterns, monitor their actions and reactions, check rashes and bumps.
They will also assist you in other aspects of a physical exam, which in many circumstances means they can still manage your child at home.
Cub Care now available
The service is based in Brisbane but available to all Australians, regardless of where you live and they treat newborns up to 15-year-olds.
It’s especially great for FIFO, single parents, regional and rural families who may not be able to quickly get to the ED. Or may have to bring the whole tribe along when one child is under the weather. Nothing worse than having a sick grizzly infant AND a whinging, overtired, bored toddler in an ED waiting room full of contagious people.
Cub Care can provide parents with everything a GP can – prescriptions, X-ray and pathology requests, referrals and medical certificates. They help with things like:
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- Allergies
- Asthma and wheezing
- Cough and croup
- Ear pain
- Eye problems
- Fever
- Minor head injury
- Rashes
- Sore throats
- Stomach aches
- Strains and sprains
- Advice for a range of other issues
Of course, if you’re worried that your child needs to be in a hospital, you’re probably right, and you should call 000 or get to an ED immediately.
But, if you need a paediatrician’s opinion after-hours, this is an incredible alternative to waiting in ED all night, being seen by mainly junior doctors and often leaving without answers. Definitely a game-changer for new mums and dads!
Find out more about Cub Care through their website and bookmark their online form, just in case.
