MPC Updates
We wish everyone a summer of connection and joy. For medical advice over the summer please see your local health service such as your GP, Victorian Virtual ED or your local Priority Care Centre.
For mental health support over the summer, consider
Kids Help Line call 1800 551 1800
Beyond Blue call 1300 22 4636 for people 12-25 years
Headspace call 1800 650 890 for free online and telephone support and counselling for young people aged 12-25 every day from 9am–1am
Lifeline offers crisis help on 13 11 14 or Lifeline Chat
Social Media
Aged based social media restrictions come into place tomorrow. Young people will have some strong feelings about this which is perfectly fine. My advice for parents: this is a good opportunity to acknowledge feelings. Be curious, and be there alongside your kids and their feelings. If your teen says how unfair it is, explore their idea of fairness rather than explaining why it's good for them or the reasons behind the legislation.
Teenage years are about exploring our identity. Who am I? What do I believe? Where do I belong? We explore this through relationships and experiences. As parents, a good approach is to explore what they are looking forward to, and coach / workshop ideas for achieving similar goals without social media accounts. A collaborative approach would be doing our own social media restriction alongside our kids! Here are my preferred and trusted resources on the changes:
One sec is a great app for kids and parents with impulsive app use.
Headspace guide for young people about the social media restrictions
7 tips for supporting young people through the social media restrictions
UNICEF take on the social medial restrictions
eSafety Commissioner explanation of social media restrictions
- Patrick 9.12.25
Kids can learn take tablets
This week in the emergency department, the clinic and my home, we've been helping kids learn to take medication. There are lots of different reasons why people can struggle to take tablets but I always frame it as a skill that we can learn and practice. It's much easier to be calm and fun when the child is well - an unwell toddler can inspire a well older sibling to try to learn. Rewards can be powerful. Here are my favourite resources about learning to swallow tablets, framing it in a fun way with a growth mindset.
Kids Health Info Podcast - great episode with the lovely Dr Amanda Stock
RCH "Child's Guide to Hospital" - a beautiful, child led, practical guide for children and young people.
RCH Pharmacy - written information and downloadable pamphlet
- Patrick 30.11.25
Finals Season, Hay Fever Season
This week in clinic we've been talking about stuffy noses and itchy eyes. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that is often undertreated, and the symptoms have a big impact on kids sleep, appetite, energy levels, and ability to concentrate.
Click here to access my favourite resource on hay fever.
Here are the top things that many people don't know about managing hay fever:
1. Hay fever tablets
- There are other treatment options! If your symptoms are debilitating, take this sample action plan to your GP to discuss treatment options.
- Oral antihistamines work best if you take them before your symptoms
2. Nasal sprays
- Nasal sprays are safe and effective for hayfever
- Medicated nasal sprays take at least one week to work, so start taking them on Grand Final day to prepare for the October grass pollen season
- Some nasal applicators need to point into your nasal passage, not just up your nostril. See the video above for a demonstration
3. Simple measures can reduce how much allergen your body meets
4. Immunotherapy is a treatment option for people with severe allergic rhinitis where the allergen is difficult to avoid eg pollen.
Be well and Go Cats!
- Patrick 29.09.2025
June 2025 - Welcome Belinda! Our new medical receptionist
I’m excited to join the team!
I look forward to meeting you and your family in the clinic. Please note I work on Mondays to Wednesday.
I’m here to help and make your experience as smooth as possible. Please get in touch if you need anything.
Notice of Practice Relocation
Melbourne Paediatric Clinic relocated in June 2024.
New location:
Suite 3, Plenty Rd Consulting Suites
135 Plenty Rd (Cnr Greenhills Rd).
Bundoora
Located directly opposite the main hospital building. Entrance only from hospital carpark on Greenhills Rd.
Summertime
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