You can normally see the Health Visitors at their drop-in clinic; for further information please contact the Practice.
Health Visitors are all trained Nurses who have extra training and qualifications in child health.They are a fantastic source of information about child development and health, parenting strategies, breastfeeding, nutrition and community support. They also offer help with social, emotional and environmental issues that affect families.
Child health checks
Please do not bring ill children to this clinic.
Appointments are sent out automatically by the local health authority for routine child health checks.
The first will be with a GP at the Surgery when your baby is around 6 weeks old. You will be sent information about this and asked to make an appointment at your local Clinic or Practice.
You will also be offered routine health reviews for your child, with your Health Visitor, at 6-8 weeks, 8-12 months and 2-2½ years old.
Non-urgent advice: Patient Notice
Please ensure you attend these appointments to ensure your child is immunised and protected.
Child immunisations
Immunisations are given by our Practice Nurses or other Healthcare Professionals in accordance with the NHS vaccine schedule.
When to immunise
Different vaccines are given at different ages to protect you and your child. Find out when these vaccinations are offered, and when and where they’ll be given:
Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your Midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.
Did you know you could self-refer online for Maternity Services at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust?
You should be offered a booking appointment with a midwife for a booking appointment by the time you are 10 weeks pregnant and have self-refer for maternity care at either Peterborough City or Hinchingbrooke Hospital using My Pregnancy Notes. You can watch our tutorial on how to self-refer here.
Your pregnancy will be treated confidentially, even if you are under 16 years old.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.
Midwife
The Midwife works with the Doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before birth and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the Midwife at the Hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.
The role of the midwife
A Midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.
They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.
The Midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start is a government scheme that aims to improve the health of pregnant women and mothers on benefits or low incomes, all pregnant women under 18 years of age and children who are under 5 years of age. Families who are supported by the scheme receive vouchers to spend on milk (including infant formula), fresh fruit and vegetables.
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a Midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or Midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.