Dr Janet Sharpe is a Specialist Neonatologist with extensive experience in the care of newborn babies.
Dr Janet Sharpe is a Specialist Neonatologist with extensive experience in the care of newborn babies. Her special interests include neonatal intensive care, and infant wellbeing, growth and development. She is a firm believer in providing individualised, family-centred care.
Dr Sharpe works in both the public and private sectors, as well as providing specialist advice and coordinating medical transfers of critically ill newborn babies requiring critical care. She has significant experience and training in clinical education and quality improvement.
She completed her Specialist Neonatal training at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed research articles in medical journals. She has presented at conferences and courses, including providing neonatal specialized training at the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Dr Sharpe has a background in paediatric physiotherapy, with years of experience working in the paediatric disability sector, equipping her with specialist skills in infant development and insight into long-term considerations for families of infants with high needs.
As a mum to three active children, she also understands the demands of a modern busy family!
A neonatologist, or neonatal paediatrician, is a specialist doctor who provides medical care to newborn babies immediately after birth, and up to 12 months of age.
Neonatologists provide care to babies born prematurely and small, and to babies who are born at term who have difficulties before, during or after birth. Babies may also require care due to genetic conditions or congenital anomalies (abnormalities present from birth). Some of these babies may be admitted to the Special Care Nursery to receive additional and specialised care.
Neonatologists may attend high risk and assisted deliveries to provide immediate care to babies if required.
Neonatologists also provide care and perform assessments of well babies born at term on the postnatal ward.
The vast majority of babies will not require admission to a Special Care Nursery.
Special Care Nursery (SCN) provides specialized medical and nursing care to newborn babies. Some reasons a baby may require the specialist care of the Special Care Nursery include:
As every baby is unique and their care is individualized, Dr Sharpe will discuss your baby’s specific conditions, treatment provided and ongoing progress with you.
Unfortunately babies don’t come with manuals! However there is lots of support in the community to help you care for your baby, so you are not alone.
After you have gone home, it is important to link with your General Practitioner, as they play an important role in the ongoing health and wellbeing of your baby as they grow up. If you baby becomes unwell after discharge, please contact your GP for an appointment as your first point of contact.
In the event of an emergency, phone an ambulance or attend your nearest hospital emergency department (noting that there is not an emergency department at NWPH). Emergency Departments providing care for infants in Central and North Brisbane include:
Child Health Nurses are another great source of support, assisting with the early stages of parenting, linking with parenting groups, providing growth and developmental assessments and feeding support from early infant stages into childhood. To find your nearest Child Health Nurse clinic and make an appointment, phone 1300 366 039. For more information, visit https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/PDF/factsheets/fs-child-health.pdf
Immunisations
As per the National Immunisation Program recommended schedule, infants should receive the Hepatitis B vaccination by 7 days of age. Midwifery staff will discuss this with you while in hospital.
After discharge, immunisations during the first year of life are due at 6-8 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and one year of age. These are documented in the ‘Immunisations’ tab in baby’s Personal Health Record (red book).
General Practitioners can provide immunisations to infants and children. There are also free immunisation clinics (birth to five years) provided by Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Council at multiple venues. For more information and immunisation clinic locations and dates:
A six-week check with Dr Sharpe is recommended for every baby after discharge. If you have concerns prior to this time, seek the advice of your general practitioner, who can advise if earlier review with Dr Sharpe is required.
Dr Sharpe’s rooms are located in Suite 6, Level 1, North West Specialist Suites,
North West Private Hospital, 137 Flockton Street. See this map for our exact location within the hospital.
If your baby requires further consultations with Dr Sharpe after the six week check, your baby will need a referral from your General Practitioner for this ongoing care.
IN HOSPITAL CONSULTATION FEES
IN HOSPITAL AFTER HOURS CALL-IN FEES
OUTPATIENT CONSULTATION FEES
These fees are current as of 01.01.2024, and subject to change without notice.
Medicare safety nets can help families to lower out of pocket medical costs for out of hospital services, by allowing higher medicare rebates. For further information, visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/medicare-safety-nets/
07 3473 7080
Fax 07 3740 6659
Suite 6, Level 1, North West Specialist Suites, North West Private Hospital, 137 Flockton Street, EVERTON PARK, QLD 4053
Po Box 3090, Newmarket, QLD 4051
Suite 6, Level 1, North West Specialist Centre,
North West Private Hospital, 137 Flockton Street,
EVERTON PARK, QLD 4053
Dr Janet Sharpe is a Specialist Neonatologist with extensive experience in the care of newborn babies.
C-Kav, © 2020
