Childhood Health Services

Here are several recommendations for health services that children and young people should utilise during their childhood. These include:

• GP Care: All children and young people should have a registered GP for overall health support and advice. If you require information about how to register with a GP, please call the NHS Helpline on 111 or go Find a GP – NHS to find a GP near you.
• Dental Care: It is important that your child is registered with a dentist and attends regular appointments. Dental Care for children is free. If you require information about how to register with a Dentist, please call the NHS Helpline on 111 or go to Find a dentist – NHS to find a dentist near you.
• Immunisations: When your child starts school it is a good time to ensure that your child is up to date with their immunisations. If you would like more information about immunisations, please contact your GP surgery or the School Nursing Service.
• Vision: All NHS registered opticians provide free vision checks for children under the age of 16.  Your child does not have to be able to read to attend for a vision check as vision checks are done using age-appropriate tests and equipment.  It is vital to have a vision screening test even if your child does not display any signs of visual impairment as there may be an underlying condition that only the optician can detect. If you require information about how to find an NHS Optician, please call the NHS Helpline on 111 or go to Sight Tests – NHS