Paediatric telephone triage and advice: the demand continues.

Kidsnet was established in 1997 at the Children's Hospital at Westmead as a paediatric telephone triage service. The demand for Kidsnet increased from 18 327 in 1997/98 to 22 844 in 2001/02, with an average of 1669 callers per month. Most callers were able to proceed to seeking care at a more appropriate time and were satisfied with the service provided. The service is highly valued and the advice given perceived to be accurate. Kidsnet has shown that it can play a key role in providing safe advice to families.