Dr. Fionnuala O'Kelly

Dr. Fionnuala O'Kelly provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Minor Injuries (Cuts, Bruises, Sprains): Common physical injuries that occur during childhood play and activities.
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa - initial assessment & coordination): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and ability to function.
• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.

This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Fionnuala O'Kelly.

• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
• Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
• Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. O'Kelly or your healthcare team for details relevant to your child's care.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. O'Kelly practices at a pediatric clinic located in the Vanier North, Carson Grove, Forbes neighborhood of Ottawa. The facility is situated within a pediatric clinic or hospital department that is easily accessible via public transit, including OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services. The area is friendly for families, with the clinic being wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming to children and families. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring convenience for patients arriving by car. This location is also close to notable landmarks such as the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum, making it easy for families to access her services in a comfortable setting.

Are pediatric services with Dr. O'Kelly covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. O'Kelly are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Some specialized tests, procedures, or medications prescribed by a subspecialist may require pre-authorization or might have specific coverage criteria. It's always a good idea to confirm coverage details with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or Dr. O'Kelly's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. O'Kelly, a Pediatrician?

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. O'Kelly is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. O'Kelly is a pediatric subspecialist (e.g., a Pediatric Cardiologist or Developmental Pediatrician), a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required for services to be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). It's best to check with Dr. O'Kelly's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. you may be able to book an appointment directly, especially if the practice is accepting new patients, or for newborn care.

What immunizations will my child receive from Dr. O'Kelly?

Dr. O'Kelly follows the recommended provincial immunization schedule for ON. This schedule outlines the vaccines your child should receive at different ages to protect them from serious preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), chickenpox, hepatitis B, influenza, rotavirus, pneumococcal, and meningococcal diseases. She will discuss the specific vaccines due at each visit and answer any questions you may have about them.

When should I take my child to see Dr. O'Kelly if they are sick?

You should contact Dr. O'Kelly's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

What can I do if my child is having trouble sleeping?

Sleep is crucial for a child's development. If your child is having trouble sleeping, establishing a consistent bedtime routine is very important. This includes a calming wind-down period, a set bedtime, and ensuring their sleep environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet. Limiting screen time before bed can also help. Dr. O'Kelly can discuss age-appropriate sleep needs, common sleep problems, and strategies to address them. Sometimes, underlying issues like anxiety or medical conditions can affect sleep, which Dr. O'Kelly can help assess.

What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?

During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. O'Kelly, She will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.

When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?

The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. O'Kelly will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.

Suite 215, 1661 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1J 9B7

Phone: (613) 738-6990 | Fax: (613) 738-4891

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.

Dr. O'Kelly is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Dr. O'Kelly may accept new patients directly for general pediatric care or via referral, depending on clinic policy. Please contact the clinic for information on new patient registration and any referral requirements for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/OKelly-Fionnuala/0037331-51307