10 POINT CHECKLIST
1. Book challenge with Dr Claire Nickolls
2. Complete admission paperwork for North Shore Private Hospital at least 2 weeks prior
Complete the General Admission Form as soon as possible to ensure health fund checks or self-funded estimates (if you don’t have private health cover) are completed at least 2 weeks prior to the challenge date. This form is online (www.northshoreprivate.com.au) or phone (8425 3000) or email (nspbook@ramsayhealth.com.au) to receive a hardcopy.
3. Inform Dr Nickolls or North Shore Private Hospital if unwell in the two weeks before the challenge
Please inform Dr Nickolls or the hospital if your child has any illness (e.g. asthma, fever, viral infection) in the 1-2 weeks before the challenge or the day of the challenge, as it may need to be postponed. Please call Dr Nickolls on 8052 4199 or the hospital on 8425 0000 or 8425 3178 (weekend or after hours) to discuss.
4. No antihistamines for 48 hours prior to challenge
Regular medications (e.g. asthma preventer, nasal spray, eczema creams) can be taken as normal
5. Generally only one parent/carer can attend the challenge
6. Don’t eat too much breakfast
7. Arrive on time – 7.45am for 8am start
Food challenges take ~5 hours, so please arrive on time. Check in and receive paperwork at the Theatre Admissions Desk on level 1, then you will be directed to the Short Stay Unit where the challenge will occur.
8. Bring challenge food
You need to bring the food your child is being challenged with (see list below), as well as any other food/drinks they would like. Sometimes the challenge food needs to be hidden in other yummy foods if a child is not keen to eat it. Don’t mix the challenge food in with anything before the challenge, because the amount given for each dose needs to be measured before the challenge starts. If your child is having a milk or soy challenge bring their usual sippy cup or bottle. Don’t worry if your child can’t eat whole nuts, they can be crushed up during the challenge and mixed in with other food. Check the table below for what to bring, or discuss with Dr Nickolls if you are unsure.