Thomas L. Snelling is a paediatric infectious disease specialist based in Subiaco, Western Australia. He works out of 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco WA 6008.
Infectious diseases can be hard on children and families, especially when a fever or chest problem just won’t settle. Thomas helps kids when an infection is more serious, or when doctors need extra support to figure out what’s going on. He also looks at infections in newborns and babies, where things can change quickly.
His focus is on infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other germs. For example, he may be involved with conditions like bacterial meningitis and meningitis more generally, pneumonia, and other tough respiratory infections. At times, he also helps with skin and wound infections such as impetigo and scabies, and with throat and skin infections like strep throat and group A strep.
He can also support kids with eye and nasal infections, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and neonatal conjunctivitis, as well as neonatal sepsis. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children are another area he deals with, including UTIs where it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
Thomas is also there for families dealing with outbreaks and viral illnesses. That can include flu and viral gastroenteritis, and respiratory viruses like parainfluenza. He may be asked about COVID-19 too, particularly in children who need a careful plan for diagnosis and follow-up.
In many cases, paediatric infectious disease care is about more than just treating the germ. It also includes working out how the infection started, what tests are worth doing, and what treatment option fits best for the child’s age and situation. When a child has a more complex course, such as empyema or recurrent infections, having a specialist opinion can make a real difference in getting the right steps in place.
Thomas works with families and other health professionals as part of a wider team approach. The goal is usually simple: help the child feel better, reduce the risk of complications, and make sure everyone has clear, practical advice for what to watch for next.
If you’d like to know whether your child’s symptoms fit his area of care, it’s best to check with the clinic. You can also ask your GP or treating doctor what they’re considering, and whether specialist infectious disease support is needed.
