Allergy rashes; wheeze and food reactions are common in childhood. Families in Ryde; Cowes; Bembridge; Yarmouth and Shanklin can blend island GP support with private paediatric clinics in Portsmouth for quicker diagnosis and management.
When to consider private assessment
- Recurrent wheeze or night cough not settling with inhalers
- Eczema with frequent infection or suspected food triggers
- Immediate reactions after foods; nuts; milk; eggs or shellfish
- Seasonal rhinitis affecting school or sleep
What a private pathway includes
- Paediatric consultation – history; examination; management plan
- Allergy testing – skin prick tests or specific IgE bloods
- Asthma optimisation – spacer technique; action plans; trigger control
- Dietitian input where food allergy or growth is a concern
Insurance points
- Paediatric coverage – ensure your plan includes child consultations
- Outpatient caps – testing plus reviews can approach limits
- Annual excess – single excess is better than per claim for families
- Hospital list – Portsmouth access usually suffices for island families
Logistics for islanders
- Align appointments with FastCat or Red Jet; plan buffer time for sailings
- Use virtual follow-ups for action plan reviews and prescription updates
- Share reports with school to support care plans