Richmond Practice

Developmental checks provide an important opportunity to identify children who may require treatment and to reassure parents if their child’s development is normal. Research undertaken in the NHS suggests that up to 30% of children who are screened require a follow-up referral to their GP and at least 7% need hospital treatment.
 
A condition detected early, can often be corrected by recommending exercise or simple measures such as making dietary changes. Given the ability of our little ones to compensate for a developmental delay, non-invasive forms of treatment taken early, are often sufficient.
 
Hip screens undertaken in the first weeks of life, for example, help us diagnose developmental dysplasia - a condition that leads to long-term impairment of a child’s hips and back. Approximately 1:1000 is affected and a hip ultrasound reliably detects the problem. When found early, a child can be treated by wearing a harness, instead of having to undergo surgery later on.
 
In the NHS, babies are regularly checked by a Doctor at birth and they are assessed again at six weeks. After this, it is up to a parent to alert their GP, who may refer a child further on, if required.
 
In addition to the emergency service and vaccination schedules available from Richmond Practice, we also run a surveillance program, similar to that available to parents in Germany. The service is led by Consultant Paediatrician Dr Robert Arlt. 

Richmond Practice undertakes school medical assessments for the Deutsche Schule London (www.dslondon.org.uk) and Broomfield School (www.broomfieldschool.co.uk )

Our child health assessments are offered at regular intervals from birth to age 17. Each check includes a thorough physical examination with weight and height measurements. Our schedule is as follows: