Taranaki Paediatrics

Dr Vicky George – Paediatrician

Services

Dr Vicky George provides thorough paediatric clinical assessments to support your child’s health, development, and wellbeing. Each assessment includes:

• A detailed history and examination
• Relevant investigations
• Collaborative planning for next steps in care

To help make the most of your appointment, we send out a history and development questionnaire in advance. This allows Dr George to review key background information ahead of time (if not already been provided) so your time together can be focused and productive.

If your child’s concerns are developmental or learning-based, we may also send a questionnaire to their school/preschool. This helps us understand your child’s current learning levels and any challenges their teachers may be noticing. To assist with this, please provide the email address of the teacher best placed to respond, and let them know to expect the questionnaire.

For ADHD assessments, we use the Conners 4 questionnaire. This is emailed to two sources; typically the school and parents, or in the case of older children or those no longer in full-time education, the individual themselves. Prior to the appointment, Dr George will also request your permission to access your child or teen’s medical records at Taranaki Base Hospital to ensure a comprehensive review.

Making an appointment

Referrals from both health professionals and parents/caregivers are welcome. Referrals can be submitted via the SR portal (preferred) or emailed directly to specialistservices@carefirst.co.nz.

Once a referral is received, Dr George will review and advise the administrative team whether the assessment is considered simple or complex, and whether Conners 4 questionnaires will be useful. The administrator will then contact the family directly to arrange the appropriate appointment.

Please note that due to a high volume of referrals, there may be delays in contacting families. For updates on the status of a referral, please email: specialistservices@carefirst.co.nz.

What to bring

To help ensure a thorough and informed assessment, please bring:

• Any relevant medical letters from specialists not accessible through Te Whatu Ora Taranaki
• A current and accurate list of all medications, including vitamins and supplements.

Follow-up and ongoing care

ADHD assessments and other complex cases often require follow-up appointments to complete the evaluation process. Once the assessment is complete, patients are discharged back to their GP for ongoing management.

Follow-up appointments may be offered as either face-to-face consultations or telephone calls. Please note that Dr George is currently unable to provide clinical advice via email.

Clinic hours

Clinics are typically held on Mondays between 9:30am and 5:00pm. Specialist administration support is available Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30am to 2:00pm.

Fees

Payment is required on the day of the appointment unless a prior arrangement has been made. For Southern Cross Health Insurance members, the administrative team will seek pre-approval and advise if any payment is required.

Patients with medical insurance through other providers will need to pay directly and arrange reimbursement through their insurer.

Some in-depth developmental and autism assessments may incur additional fees. These will be discussed during the appointment, as they are not always required.

Please note: All fees are inclusive of GST and were accurate at the time of publishing (May 2025).