It can be difficult to manage being “just a parent” rather than trying to doctor your child(ren) when health problems occur. The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) has published guidelines around providing care of those close to you, enabling you to make informed decisions about the health care of your dependants.

Good medical practice

“Other than in exceptional circumstances you should not provide medical care to yourself or anyone with whom you have a close personal relationship.”

Excerpt taken from MCNZ publication Good Medical Practice www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/News-and-Publications/good-medical-practice.pdf

The Medical Council recognises that there are some situations where treatment of those close to you may occur, but maintains that this should only occur when overall management of patient care is being monitored by an independent practitioner.

Providing care to yourself and those close to you

“A lack of objectivity can also be a problem when providing care to family members, those you work with and close friends. Those with whom you have close emotional ties should have a general practitioner who can provide appropriate care after an objective medical assessment.”

Excerpt taken from MCNZ Statement on providing care to yourself and those close to you http://www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/News-and-Publications/Statements/Statement-on-providing-care-to-yourself-and-those-close-to-you.pdf