Should you treat children’s pain or high temperature before going to the GP Practice?

Children often arrive at the GP surgery in acute-and needless-pain or have a high temperature causing discomfort or keeps them from drinking.

  • Myth: there needs to be pain or fever present in order to properly assess a patient
  • Fact: it makes it more difficult to examine a child and figure out what is going on when they are in pain or have a fever
  • Fact: less pain makes diagnosis easier, not harder

The Westgate Practice does not keep supplies of paracetamol and ibuprofen therefore will be unable to administer analgesia (pain relief) to your child at their appointment. Please ensure if your child is in pain or is unwell with a fever, that you have given analgesia prior to their appointment.

Treating a fever with medicine isn’t needed if a child is still playing and drinking normally and doesn’t have pain. Give medicine only when a fever causes a child discomfort or keeps them from drinking.

Here is a link to further guidance on high temperature and medication for children: