Children's Health & Development Centre

A viral infection similar to the common cold but usually more severe, with sudden fever, body aches, fatigue and a dry cough.

A rise in body temperature that is usually a sign the body is fighting an infection, rather than an illness on its own.

A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy, blister-like rash along with mild fever, most common in young children.

This condition occurs when the nose reacts to allergens such as dust mites, pollen or pet dander, causing sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itching and watery eyes. It can be seasonal or occur year-round, and often runs alongside other allergic conditions such as eczema or asthma.

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Symptoms are often triggered by infections, allergens, exercise or weather changes, and severity can range from mild to serious, occasionally requiring emergency care.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, often appearing in patches on the face, elbows or knees. It tends to flare up and settle over time, and is commonly linked to a family history of allergies, asthma or hay fever.

A food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to certain foods, such as peanuts, eggs, milk or shellfish, ranging from mild skin reactions to severe, life-threatening responses. Early identification of trigger foods is important, especially in children with a family history of allergies.

ADHD is a developmental condition that affects a child's ability to focus, sit still or control impulses, in ways that go beyond typical childhood behaviour. It can affect school performance, friendships and family life, and often becomes more noticeable once a child starts school.

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts socially, and processes the world around them, with signs often appearing before age three. It varies widely from child to child, ranging from mild differences in social communication to more significant support needs.

Short stature refers to a child's height being noticeably below the expected range for their age, which can be due to genetics, hormonal imbalance, nutritional factors or an underlying medical condition. Tracking a child's growth over time helps identify whether further evaluation is needed.

Gait abnormalities refer to unusual patterns in how a child walks, such as toe-walking, in-toeing or limping, which can be a normal part of development or a sign of an underlying muscular, neurological or orthopaedic issue. Persistent or worsening gait changes should be assessed by a specialist.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body is unable to produce enough insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. It usually develops in childhood, with symptoms including excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and unexplained weight loss, and requires lifelong management.

Blood disorders in children cover a range of conditions affecting red cells, white cells, platelets or clotting, including anaemia, thalassaemia and clotting disorders. Symptoms vary depending on the type but can include tiredness, paleness, easy bruising, frequent infections or unusual bleeding.

Childhood cancers develop in babies, children and teenagers, and often behave differently from adult cancers. Common types include leukaemia, brain tumours and lymphomas, and because symptoms can be vague — such as ongoing tiredness, unexplained bruising, lumps or a fever that will not go away — early assessment by a specialist is important

Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels, most commonly affecting children under five. It typically presents with a prolonged high fever, rash, red eyes, swollen hands and feet, and a swollen lymph node in the neck, and needs prompt treatment to reduce the risk of heart complications.

Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in childhood, ranging from a mild, short-lived stomach ache to a sign of a more serious condition. Common causes include constipation, gas, gastroenteritis, food intolerance or, in some children, stress-related pain with no clear physical cause. Pain that is severe, persistent, or comes with fever, vomiting or blood in the stool should be assessed promptly.

Constipation is common in children and usually involves infrequent, hard or painful bowel movements. It can be caused by low fibre or fluid intake, changes in routine, or a child holding in stool due to discomfort or toilet-training stress.

Bedwetting is common in young children and is usually part of normal development, as bladder control during sleep can take longer to develop than daytime control. It becomes a concern when it persists well beyond the age when most children are dry at night, or when it starts again after a period of being dry.

Joint pain in children can range from normal "growing pains" to a sign of infection, injury or an inflammatory condition such as juvenile arthritis. Persistent pain, swelling, redness or joint pain that affects a child's ability to walk or play should be evaluated further.

Treated with rest, fluids and fever/pain relief; antiviral medication may be considered for high-risk children if started early.

Managed by treating the underlying cause, keeping the child hydrated, and using paracetamol or ibuprofen for comfort as advised by a doctor.

Treated with symptom relief such as antihistamines for itching and paracetamol for fever, while keeping the child comfortable and away from others until no longer contagious.

reatment focuses on avoiding known triggers where possible, alongside antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays or saline nasal rinses to manage symptoms. For children with persistent or severe symptoms, a paediatrician may recommend allergy testing to identify specific triggers.

Treatment typically combines a reliever inhaler for quick relief during flare-ups with a preventer inhaler used daily to reduce inflammation and long-term symptoms. An asthma action plan, developed with a paediatrician, helps families recognise warning signs early and know when to seek urgent care.

Treatment centres on regular moisturising to protect the skin barrier, alongside steroid creams or other prescribed treatments during flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as certain soaps, fabrics or foods, can also help reduce flare-ups over time.

Management centres on strict avoidance of the trigger food, with an emergency action plan in place for accidental exposure, including antihistamines or an adrenaline auto-injector for severe reactions. Children with suspected food allergies should be assessed and confirmed through proper allergy testing before major dietary changes are made.

Management usually combines behavioural strategies, parent and teacher support, and structured routines, with medication considered for some children depending on severity. A developmental paediatrician or child psychiatrist typically leads diagnosis and ongoing care, often working closely with schools.

There is no single treatment for autism; instead, care is tailored to each child and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural therapy and structured early intervention programmes. Early diagnosis and intervention are associated with better long-term outcomes, making assessment by a developmental paediatrician important as soon as concerns arise.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause — some children need no intervention beyond monitoring, while others may benefit from nutritional support or hormone therapy if a hormonal cause is identified. A paediatric endocrinologist typically leads assessment and, where needed, ongoing treatment.

Many gait differences resolve naturally as a child grows and need only monitoring. Where treatment is needed, options may include physiotherapy, supportive footwear or orthotics, and in some cases referral to a paediatric orthopaedic specialist for further evaluation.

 Treatment requires lifelong insulin therapy, alongside blood sugar monitoring, dietary management and regular follow-up with a paediatric endocrinologist. Children and families are supported with diabetes education to help manage the condition confidently in daily life.

Treatment depends on the specific disorder and may include dietary changes and iron supplementation for anaemia, regular monitoring for inherited conditions like thalassaemia, or more specialised care such as transfusions in certain cases. Children with suspected blood disorders are usually referred to a paediatric haematologist for diagnosis and ongoing management.

Children are treated with plans designed for their age and needs, which may include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and supportive care, delivered by a multidisciplinary paediatric oncology team alongside dietetic, physiotherapy and psychological support.

Treatment typically involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart complications, usually given in hospital. Early treatment, ideally within the first ten days of illness, is important for the best outcome.

Most mild abdominal pain settles with rest, hydration and simple dietary adjustments. Where a specific cause is found, treatment is directed at that cause — for example, laxatives for constipation or antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Persistent or recurring pain may need further evaluation by a paediatrician or paediatric gastroenterologist.

Treatment usually starts with dietary changes such as increased fibre and fluids, alongside gentle encouragement of regular toilet routines. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a short course of laxatives to help re-establish comfortable, regular bowel movements.

Simple measures such as limiting fluids before bedtime, ensuring regular toilet visits, and using positive reinforcement often help. For persistent cases, options include bedwetting alarms or medication, guided by a paediatrician, and it's helpful to rule out underlying causes such as constipation or urinary tract infection.

Treatment depends on the cause — growing pains typically need only comfort measures like gentle massage or warm compresses, while pain from injury, infection or inflammatory conditions requires targeted medical treatment. Persistent or worsening joint pain should be assessed by a paediatrician or paediatric rheumatologist.

The paediatric wards offer a warm, comfortable environment for children who need to be hospitalised, backed by round-the-clock care from experienced paediatric nursing staff. Families can choose from a range of room types, including the Two-Bed Deluxe, Premier Single Suite, and Grand Premier Suite, depending on their needs and preferences. Beyond the rooms themselves, the centre features dedicated playrooms and a therapeutic garden designed specifically for young patients. Within these spaces, qualified therapists run the Play Specialist Programme, offering both group activities and one-on-one bedside sessions — helping children stay engaged, distracted from discomfort, and emotionally supported throughout their hospital stay.

The PICU is a highly specialised unit dedicated to the care of critically ill children and adolescents, staffed by healthcare professionals specifically trained in paediatric critical care. It is equipped with advanced medical technology tailored to the unique needs of young patients, including ventilators, cardiac monitors, infusion pumps and specialised diagnostic tools. The unit also integrates IoT (Internet of Things) technology — including smart medical devices, remote monitoring systems and electronic health records — to streamline communication and improve the speed and accuracy of care. A multidisciplinary team of specialists collaborates closely across subspecialties to manage each child's condition.

Central to the PICU's approach is family-centred care: parents are actively involved in ward rounds and treatment discussions, and are welcome to stay overnight with their child for comfort and reassurance during a difficult time. Pain management is similarly tailored to each child, combining medication where needed with non-pharmacological techniques such as distraction, relaxation and positioning, supported by advanced pain-monitoring systems.

The CDD is a one-stop centre for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities or behavioural challenges, helping them work toward their developmental milestones with the right support at the right time. It's staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and audiologists, all working together around each child's individual needs.

The department features several specialised spaces: TRooms, which use technology and physical devices to stimulate the senses and support treatment, assessment and learning; a Sensory Gym, designed to support sensory integration and motor skill development; a Physiotherapy Room, focused on helping children build mobility, strength and physical wellbeing; and an Audiology Room, a dedicated space for hearing tests, evaluations and treatment.