Viral infections are common in children and parents should not run to the emergency room, but there are situations that must be evaluated by a pediatrician or where medical intervention is necessary, all the more in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. In such situations, the clients of Hospital da Luz network can resort to the support line LUZ 24 ( 217 104 424 ) , where each case will be immediately referred in accordance, as explains the pediatrician João Crispim . Hospital da Luz Podcast is the title of a series of podcasts, where this group’s professionals discuss the latest topics in their respective areas, and that are made available on streaming and audio platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcast, etc.) and also on YouTube. Hear the podcast with João Crispim, the coordinator of the Pediatrics Urgent Care at Hospital da Luz Lisboa, where he explains how the LUZ 24 support line is organized, what is its purpose and when should parents resort to it. Another topic was the reinforcement of the response capacity in Pediatrics, carried out last year by Hospital da Luz Lisboa, in terms of human resources, equipment and complex care providing – such as, for instance, a permanent team for children and young people in the emergency service, besides being presently the only private hospital with pediatric intermediate and intensive care. Listen to Hospital da Luz Podcast on the topic: “Nos bastidores... das urgências pediátricas” Google | iTunes | Spotify “We do the screening between urgent and less serious cases, offering different solutions.” Since September 21 this year, the LUZ 24 phone screening service works also for children. On the other side of the line, clients have available 24 hours-a day, nurses with experience and specific training, that evaluate each case based on judicious protocols elaborated by the Pediatrics team of Hospital da Luz Lisboa. LUZ 24 , as it is explained by the coordinator of Hospital da Luz Lisboa Pediatrics Emergency Service, “enables us to sort with great accuracy who really needs urgent care, or if the case can be directed to a different kind of solution”, namely: Guidance to self-care; Videoconsultation in the short-term with the assisting pediatrician or other specialist; Priority in-person consultation; Programmed consultation with the assisting pediatrician. On the other hand, the cases referred by LUZ 24 to the Emergency Room, have priority in this service. Regarding COVID-19 , for instance, João Crispim clarifies how LUZ 24 can help parents: “The covid-19 symptoms are easily mistaken for those of other viral infections, especially in children, raising many doubts and the need of counselling. Quite often, parents feel that it is not necessary to go to the Emergency Room – and rightfully, most of the times –, but they need a medical act, namely the prescription of a test if the case satisfies the DGS norms, and then a medical statement for the child to return to school/nursery. Before going to the Emergency Room, they can call the LUZ 24 team. LUZ 24 protocols guarantee all safety in the approach of these cases”. We remind that LUZ 24 should not be used in emergency situations – where the 112 service should be contacted.
