ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION1 Paediatrics forms a significant proportion of daily consultations in general practice, with almost 30% of an average general practice population comprising of children. A holistic approach to child health is essential, because general practitioners (GPs) are not only responsible for the acute and chronic conditions, but also child development, health promotion, screening programmes and child protection. GPs must be able to work with the numerous agencies now involved in the multidisciplinary approach to childcare and to recognize when to seek assistance from the appropriate agency.
