What is Paediatrics?

Paediatrics deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, from birth to age 18.

Paediatricians diagnose and treat specific health issues, diseases and disorders related to the various stages of growth and development. They work very closely with the patient and their family.

Paediatricians working in general hospitals in Ireland mainly practice General Paediatrics, dealing with the prevention, diagnosis and management of a wide range of diseases.

Paediatricians in tertiary children’s hospitals (e.g. Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin) tend to have a specific subspecialty interest, such as Paediatric Immunology or Paediatric Metabolic Medicine.

Neonatology, a subspecialty of Paediatrics, deals with the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn infant. It is usually practiced in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).