Children’s Health
At Brent House we have a continuing programme of child
health surveillance. The doctors examine all babies at
eight weeks and our health visitors check their
development including hearing and vision over the
following four years, after which they are examined once
more by the doctor to check they are healthy for school.
Well Baby Clinic
This is run by our Health Visitors on Monday afternoons
at Brent House between 1.30 and 3pm and at Westonzoyland
Surgery on the 3rd Tuesday of each month between 10am and
12 noon.
Maternity Care
All the doctors offer antenatal care, which is usually
shared with the community midwife. On confirmation of
pregnancy by your GP, you will be referred to the midwife
who will contact you to make an appointment to visit you
at home to discuss your future care and delivery, with
deliveries usually being booked for either Musgrove Park
Hospital or the Mary Stanley Wing. If it is your first
baby or you have had complications with pregnancy in the
past or have other risk factors, you may be referred to a
Consultant Obstetrician at Musgrove Park Hospital
otherwise the midwife will look after you throughout your
pregnancy and delivery and until ten days after delivery
when care is handed over to the Health Visitors. A
post-natal examination of you and your baby by the doctor
at eight weeks after birth is also recommended; please
tell the receptionist the appointment is for a post-natal
examination as you will need a longer time with the
doctor. We can also arrange for your baby to have their
first immunisations at the same visit.
Family Planning
All the doctors are pleased to give family planning
advice during ordinary surgeries. In addition, the
practice nurses can advise.
Immunisations
Children: Immunisations are given at the clinic
held monthly on Thursday afternoons. Appointments are sent
by the Child Health Department in Taunton at the
recommended intervals. If you think your child has missed
any vaccinations, please speak to the health visitors or
practice nurses. It is important that all children are
protected and we strongly recommend that all our children
have the vaccinations that are offered, including whooping
cough and MMR.
Adults: All adults should be immunised against
tetanus and polio and the practice nurse will be happy to
arrange this for you.
Influenza vaccinations are normally available in
late October for the over 65s and those suffering from
chronic diseases: diabetes, asthma, heart disease or
kidney disease or have a lowered immune system. People
living in residential homes are also advised to have a flu
jab.
You may also be eligible for a pneumonia jab if you are
over 75, have no spleen or suffer from one of the
conditions mentioned above.
Minor Surgery
We are equipped to carry out a range of minor surgical
procedures. Please make an appointment with Dr Upton or Dr
Pal to
discuss a condition that you think might be helped by a
minor operation.
Asthma Clinic
New ideas and new drugs are being used to help asthma
sufferers all the time and we run a regular asthma clinic
to provide the best possible care for patients suffering
from this condition. Please make an appointment at
reception.
Diabetic Clinic
If you are a diabetic, regular check ups are an
important part of your treatment. We hold a weekly clinic
and you are assured of a warm welcome. Please make an
appointment at reception.
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