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Young people (13-18 years)
This website contains general health information and does not replace the advice of a health professional. Always contact 000 in an emergency.
Adolescence is the time between childhood and adulthood. It is a time where young people grow physically and become more independent and individual. Adolescence can be a difficult time with many challenges for young people and families.
Some issues that young people may seek health care for include sexual health, risk-taking behaviours, depression or anxiety, gender issues or eating problems.
Who we care for
Most young people will get good health care from their General Practitioner (GP). GPs may refer on to a paediatrician (all paediatricians have training in both child and adolescent health care). Some nurses, GPs and paediatricians have a special interest or training in adolescent health and may offer specific clinics such as the family planning clinics (in the community) or eating disorder clinics.
Confidentiality is an important consideration for young people. During your appointment, you will have an opportunity to speak with the health professional on your own if this is something you are comfortable with.
Paediatric clinics for young people are located at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital (Burnie) and Mersey Community Hospital (Latrobe).
Your adolescent care team begins with
| The young person (you) and family/caregivers | You and your caregivers are important members of our health care team, you look after yourself and your condition every day. You can tell us about your health and how your condition affects your everyday life. We will include you in decisions about your health. |
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| General practitioner (GP) | Your GP takes care of your general health needs within the community. They often provide initial assessment and can refer to a paediatrician if more specialised care is required. Your GP can provide care in between more specialist appointments and assist with prescriptions and community care plans/action plans for your family or school. They will receive updates from other professionals. |
| Paediatric registrar | The paediatric registrar is a doctor training to become a specialist such as a paediatrician. Once they have met with you they report back to the paediatrician or relevant specialist. |
| Paediatrician | The paediatrician is a key member of your health care team, they provide specialist medical care and look at your health holistically. Your paediatrician often takes the lead in providing a diagnosis or organizes referrals for tests or specialist input. They look after your holistic care needs and receive updates from other members of your health care team. |
| Specialist nurse | For young people with eating disorders and mental health issues, the specialist nurse is your main contact point. They will help you to organize your care and assist with communication between team members. You can talk to them if you have questions or concerns. Depending on your needs, the nurse may provide education and support, giving you the information you need to care for your condition. |
Depending on individual needs the following health professionals may also provide care
| Dietitian | The dietitian will assist in the assessment and management of your nutritional needs related to your condition. They will talk to you about your diet and make recommendations to support your health and growth. |
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| Physiotherapist | Physiotherapists are experts in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment they can help with motor skills (such as walking), joint problems, pain and fatigue. |
| Occupational therapist (OT) | Occupational therapists help people to participate in activities they find meaningful and daily activities that they need to do. These activities include self-care (such as mealtimes or getting dressed), play, learning, school, work, leisure, hobbies and spending time with friends and family. Occupational therapists assess and assist with movement, thinking, sensory processing and equipment. |
| Psychologist | A psychologist works with you to understand the impact your condition has on your life and helps you to overcome challenges, change your behaviour and improve your mental health. |
| Mental health clinicians | Mental health professionals can be doctors, nurses, counsellors or other health care staff that help with different aspects of emotional and mental health and wellbeing. |
| Social worker | Social workers can provide counselling and teach skills to help you cope with problems with your health, relationships or circumstances. They can help you understand your rights and help to advocate for you. |
| Psychiatrist | A psychiatrist is a doctor who is an expert in mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. They can help you to understand your thoughts, behaviours and feelings and provide assessment, diagnosis, therapy and treatment to help manage your condition. |
How to access care for young people
A general practitioner referral is required. Your GP can submit the referral by following the directions on the Department of Health, Tasmania's outpatient clinics website.
Young people resources
Supported self management
- Moving On Up (Tasmanian Primary Health Network together with the Tasmanian Health Service) – Learning to manage your own condition while you are supported by your family, carers and health care team, is important as you grow and work towards independence. Moving On Up is a Tasmanian resource that provides learning goals for different ages.
Parenting supports
- Raising Children – the Australian Parenting website (Raising Children’s Website)
Nutrition and exercise
- Healthy Kids (Department of Health Tasmania)
- High energy eating (Royal Children's Hospital)
- Nutrition and Food Services Resources (Royal Children's Hospital)
Sleep
- Sleep health fact sheets (Sleep Health Foundation Australia)
Mental health and wellbeing
Child supports
- Headspace
- Kids Helpline
- Mindfulness and general wellbeing (Brave4you)
- Mindfulness (Smiling mind)
- Pulse Youth Health
- The Link
- Ynot
Parent/carer supports
- Strong families, safe kids (Department of Communities Tasmania)
- Tasmanian drug and alcohol service
- Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS)
- What’s okay at home – family violence (WOAH)
Health concerns
- General factsheets on young people’s health issues (Royal Children’s Hospital)
- Hearing concerns (Department of Health Tasmania – Statewide Audiology Service)
Continence
- Bed alarm resource for parents (Ramsey Coote)
- Bedwetting - children (Continence Foundation of Australia)
- Constipation (Royal Children's Hospital)
- Daytime wetting (Continence Foundation of Australia)
- Soiling (Continence Foundation of Australia)
View additional resources from the Child Health (Paediatrics) team
Contact details
North
Launceston General Hospital
Paediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinics
lutha building
Level 3
Charles Street Launceston Tas 7250
Phone: 6777 5247
Fax: 6777 5242
North West
North West Regional Hospital
Paediatric Outpatients
Brickport Road Burnie Tas 7320
Phone: 6493 6300
Fax: 6464 1928
Mersey Community Hospital
Torquay Road Latrobe Tas 7307
Phone: 6478 5219
Fax: 6441 5928
South
Royal Hobart Hospital
Paediatric Outpatients
Lower Ground
Argyle Street Hobart Tas 7000
Phone: 6166 0000
Fax: 6173 0469
