Paediatrics

Prevention, monitoring and specialist care

The Paediatrics Department at Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital supports the health of children and adolescents by providing care tailored to each stage of their development. From health check-ups and vaccinations to the assessment of symptoms and medical problems, paediatric follow-up enables each situation to be interpreted whilst taking into account the age, development, medical history and progress of each child.

Where further investigation is required, the Paediatrics Department can coordinate diagnostic tests and assessments by other specialist departments within the hospital, whilst ensuring continuity of care.

Paediatric care during childhood and adolescence

Paediatric care supports children’s health throughout the different stages of growth. It includes check-ups and monitoring of development, prevention and vaccination, assessment of the most common health problems, and care tailored to the specific needs of adolescence.

Age changes the way we interpret each situation

During childhood and adolescence, the body undergoes continuous change. Growth, development and the way in which many medical problems present themselves evolve as the child grows.

The same symptom may have different implications depending on the child’s age, medical history, how long the problem has been present and their general state of health.

For this reason, a paediatric assessment is not limited to the specific reason for the consultation. Understanding how the child usually is, what has changed and how the condition has progressed helps to better understand each situation and to decide whether treatment, follow-up or further investigation is required.

The information provided by the family is also part of this assessment. Parents are familiar with their children’s habits, behaviour and usual state of health, and can identify changes which, together with the medical examination, help to better interpret what is happening.

Understanding what is happening before making a decision

A paediatric consultation begins with a medical history and a physical examination tailored to the child’s age and the reason for the visit. In many cases, this initial assessment allows the problem to be diagnosed and the necessary treatment or follow-up to be decided without the need for further investigations.

When further information is required, tests are selected based on the symptoms, the physical examination, the medical history and whatever needs to be clarified. Not all children with the same symptom require the same tests.

The results are interpreted within the context of the overall clinical picture to determine the next steps.

In paediatrics, the child’s clinical course also provides valuable information. Knowing when it is appropriate to observe and continue monitoring, and when further investigation is warranted, forms part of the clinical assessment.

Complementary feeding and managing choking

The start of complementary feeding often raises many questions about foods, textures, quantities, safety and how to introduce new foods.

A specific consultation on complementary feeding includes a full paediatric check-up for the child and a guidance session for families on introducing foods, mealtime habits and safety, along with basic guidelines for recognising and responding to choking.

Specific workshops on complementary feeding and basic choking management can also be organised, aimed at providing practical information and reassurance to families during this stage.

Paediatrics in a hospital setting

There are situations that can be resolved and managed within the clinic itself, and others that require diagnostic tests or a more specialised assessment. When further investigation is necessary, the Paediatrics Department can coordinate tests and assessments with other specialist departments available at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, in accordance with the patient’s needs and age.

The information obtained is incorporated into the paediatric assessment to guide the next steps and ensure continuity of care.