Same-Day Children’s Urgent Care

Children’s Urgent Care in Elstree

Same-day private urgent care for children aged 1 and over — fever, ear infections, sore throats, respiratory illness, rashes, tummy bugs, and minor injuries. Assessed by experienced emergency medicine doctors using the NICE NG143 traffic-light system for feverish illness in under-5s.

Child consultation £95 (ages 1–15). We do not see children under 1. For under-1 infants, contact your GP, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency. For any child with red-flag features (lethargy, breathing difficulty, non-blanching rash, severe dehydration) — call 999or attend A&E.

Book Online Call 020 3327 7777

When We Can Help

When Same-Day Children’s Urgent Care Helps

Common children’s presentations we see — for ages 1 and over:

Fever in a child

High temperature with or without cold symptoms — clinical assessment using the NICE traffic-light system to identify red, amber, or green presentations and decide treatment.

Ear pain and ear infections

Suspected acute otitis media (middle ear infection) — examination with otoscope, antibiotic decision per NICE NG91, pain management plan.

Sore throat and tonsillitis

Painful swallowing, swollen glands, fever — examination, FeverPAIN score per NICE NG84, antibiotic decision based on clinical severity.

Coughs, colds, and respiratory symptoms

Mild to moderate respiratory illness without distress — assessment, treatment, and clear advice on what symptoms should bring you back.

Childhood rashes

Common viral rashes, hand-foot-and-mouth, chickenpox, eczema flares — diagnosis and management. We screen for the rashes that signify something more serious.

Tummy bugs and minor injuries

Diarrhoea and vomiting (with hydration assessment), minor cuts and grazes, twists and bumps from play — same approach as adults but with paediatric-specific care.

Important Safety Information

When Your Child Should Go to A&E

Children can deteriorate quickly. Some symptoms need hospital care, not private urgent care. Call 999 or attend A&E directly if any of these apply:

Red flags — A&E or 999:

  • Children under 1 year old — we do not see infants under 1; contact your GP, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency
  • Persistent crying, lethargy, or difficulty waking
  • Floppiness, severe drowsiness, or unresponsiveness
  • Pale, mottled, or blue skin (especially around lips)
  • Difficulty breathing — fast breathing, indrawing, grunting, or unable to talk in full sentences
  • Non-blanching rash (one that doesn't fade when pressed) — possible meningitis
  • Persistent vomiting (especially with bile-stained vomit)
  • Severe dehydration — sunken eyes, dry mouth, no wet nappies for 8+ hours, no tears when crying
  • Stiff neck, severe headache, dislike of bright light
  • Persistent fever above 38°C in a child aged 3-6 months, or above 39°C in any age

These criteria are aligned with NICE NG143 (fever in under-5s) and RCPCH paediatric guidance. If you’re unsure, call NHS 111— their clinicians can advise.

Call 999

Your Visit

What Happens at Your Visit

Triage and history

Our triage nurse takes a careful history — symptoms, duration, fluid intake, urine output, fever readings, sleep, behaviour, and medication. Behavioural change is often the most important sign in a young child.

Examination

Full paediatric examination — observation, breathing, heart rate, temperature, skin, ears, throat, abdomen. We aim to make the examination as calm and unhurried as possible. Distraction techniques and child-friendly language are part of how we work.

Diagnosis and treatment

  • NICE traffic-light assessment: Structured assessment of activity, breathing, hydration, and circulation against NICE NG143 traffic-light criteria — gives a clear framework for whether the child is safely managed at home or needs hospital review.
  • Examination and investigations: Full paediatric examination including chest, ears, throat, abdomen, and skin. On-site testing where indicated — urine dipstick, throat examination, and blood tests for selected presentations.
  • Antibiotic decision per stewardship: Antibiotics where they're clinically justified — NICE-aligned decisions for ear, throat, and skin infections. Antimicrobial stewardship principles applied: not every infection needs antibiotics, and we explain why.
  • Onward referral when needed: Suspected serious bacterial infection, severe respiratory distress, or any red-flag features mean immediate transfer or referral to A&E or specialist paediatric services. Centennial's paediatric consultants are arranged during the visit if appropriate.

Transparent Pricing

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

Child consultation fee: £95 (ages 1–15). Includes paediatric assessment and treatment planning.

Diagnostics and prescriptions: charged additionally if needed (urine test, throat swab, X-ray, antibiotics).

Time on site: typically 30–45 minutes. Children with red-flag features are prioritised.

Insurance: detailed receipts provided.

After Your Visit

Aftercare and What to Watch For

  • Clear written advice on managing the illness at home — fluids, paracetamol/ibuprofen dosing, comfort measures
  • Antibiotic course details and what side effects to watch for, if prescribed
  • School / nursery exclusion guidance per UKHSA
  • A specific plan for when to come back — usually 24-48 hours if no improvement, sooner if symptoms change
  • Red-flag symptoms for parents to act on: drowsiness, mottled or pale skin, fast or laboured breathing, non-blanching rash, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, child becoming much less responsive

Common Questions

Common Questions about Children’s Urgent Care

What ages do you see children?

We see children aged 1 year and over. Our doctors are experienced in paediatric urgent care, and our team is trained to keep children calm during examination. Children's consultations cost £95, with the same on-site diagnostics available where clinically indicated.

Why don't you see infants under 1?

Babies under 1 are clinically very different from older children — physiological reserve is smaller, signs of serious illness can be subtle, and management often needs paediatric specialist input. The safer service for under-1s is your GP, NHS 111, or A&E. We're an urgent care clinic, not a paediatric specialist service, and we'd rather direct under-1s to the right level of care than provide a service we couldn't safely deliver.

How quickly will you see a feverish child?

Walk in during opening hours and you'll be triaged by our nurse on arrival. Children with feverish illness are prioritised, and you'll typically be seen within 15-30 minutes — sooner if any red-flag features are present. Most consultations including assessment and treatment are completed within an hour.

Should I go to A&E or to you for [my child's symptom]?

If any red-flag features are present (drowsiness, pale or mottled skin, breathing difficulty, non-blanching rash, persistent vomiting, severe dehydration), go to A&E or call 999. For high temperature without red-flags, ear pain, sore throat, mild cough, or non-severe rash — we're the right service. Call NHS 111 if you're unsure; their clinicians can guide you on the safe next step.

Can you prescribe antibiotics?

Yes, where clinically justified. We follow NICE antimicrobial stewardship — antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections (some ear, throat, urinary, and skin infections), not for viral illnesses where they don't help. We'll explain the decision, and if no antibiotics are needed, we give a clear plan for managing symptoms at home and what to watch for.

Do you do paediatric X-rays?

Yes. We use child-appropriate dose protocols and our team is trained in distraction techniques to keep children calm during imaging. Common paediatric X-ray situations include suspected limb fractures and pulled elbow assessment. See our X-ray for suspected fractures page for the full pathway.

Walk In or Book Online

Same-Day Children’s Urgent Care

GMC-registered emergency medicine doctors experienced in paediatric urgent care. CQC registered, part of Centennial Medical Care.

Open seven days: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–6pm

Centennial Park, Centennial Ave, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3FG · Free parking

Book Online Call 020 3327 7777See all services →

Last reviewed: 5 May 2026

Need urgent care? We’re here to help.

Walk in 7 days a week or book online. Payment taken securely at the time of booking.

Book OnlineCall 020 3327 7777Email Us
BookCallDirections