Neonatology provides follow-up monitoring for babies who may be vulnerable to developmental challenges after birth due to any of the following:

• Preterm birth (before 32 weeks)
• Birth weight (less than 1500 grams)
• Major surgery in the neonatal period
• Seizures or fits or needing to be cooled in the neonatal period
• Serious illnesses such as meningitis.

Follow-up schedule

Your baby will be followed-up at regular intervals:

• Soon after discharge
• At four months
• At eight months
• At 12 months for a detailed developmental assessment.

Some babies may be recommended for longer term follow-up.

Adjustment for preterm babies

If your baby was born preterm, the appointment dates are adjusted for prematurity. For example, a baby born three months early will have the 12 month developmental check at 15 months of age.

Developmental questionnaires

Developmental questionnaires help to assess your baby’s progress and monitor growth and behaviour.

You will receive a questionnaire to complete prior to each follow-up appointment. Please bring this to your appointment or return it in the prepaid envelope.

You may receive further questionnaires about your child at two and three years of age. These monitor your child’s progress and provide an overall picture of how our ‘special graduates’ progress during early childhood. This valuable information from parents helps us to assist other families.

Please let the follow-up coordinator know if your address has changed.

Metropolitan follow-up

Appointments are made to see neonatal/medical staff in the Follow-up Clinic at either KEMH or PCH.

You will be notified of your appointment times.

Details of the 12 month developmental assessment appointment will be posted to you about four weeks before the appointment.

If you have any queries or wish to change an appointment date, you can telephone:

• KEMH: 6458 1260
• PCH: 6456 5407

It is important that you notify us of any change of address.

Longer-term follow-up

Many babies are seen again at 24 months and these assessments are carried out by our neonatal medical staff and psychologist.

Some babies are seen up to five years of age at KEMH.

Rural follow-up

If you live outside the Perth metropolitan area you may still choose to have your follow-up appointments at KEMH or PCH.

However if transport and distance are a problem, our follow-up coordinator will discuss the availability of other services and arrange any referrals prior to your baby being discharged.

Rural Paediatric Service

The Rural Paediatric team visits many country centres regularly. If this service is available in your area, we will help you make appointments with
the team.

Local paediatrician

A paediatrician (specialist children’s doctor) may be available in your local area to monitor your baby’s development. Your baby’s medical summary will be sent to the paediatrician. This provides details of any problems that require further follow-up.

Local GP

Where specialist services are not available, your GP can liaise with the hospital to monitor your baby’s development. Your baby’s medical summary will be sent to the GP.

Developmental questionnaires

These are an essential part of follow-up care for all rural babies, especially for babies who do not have access to a clinic or specialist paediatrician for their regular assessments.