How can I see a health visitor?
You can either refer yourself, or ask your GP to refer you. Social care, voluntary organisations and maternity services can also make referrals. You can either book an appointment, or attend a baby clinic which does not require an appointment.
To find contact details for your local health visitor, visit the health visiting contacts page.
Appointments
Please bring your child’s red book (personal child health record) to every appointment. You can also register for an eRedbook.
The health visiting service runs child health clinics at locations throughout Lambeth and Southwark for advice, support and weighing for children under five years old. Please call the health visitor advice line to book a clinic appointment or find your local drop-in clinic.
Cancelling or changing your appointment
Please contact your named health visitor or health visiting team directly.
Before your appointment
Please remember to bring your red book (personal child health record) with you before your appointment.
What to expect at your appointment
You may see a health visitor, nurse, child development worker or a health visiting assistant, depending on why we need to see your child. We may see you in a variety of places, such as your home, health centre or a children’s centre. We will let you know beforehand who you will see at your appointment, and how long it will last
During your appointment they will assess the health needs of both your child and your family.
We will agree any care plan with you, which will be documented in your child's red book.
As we are part of a teaching hospital, students supervised by qualified staff might be involved in your care. We will let you know beforehand if a student will be present at your appointment. It is valuable training for students and does not affect the quality of your treatment in any way, but please tell us if you do not want them to be present or involved. We will always respect your wishes.
After your appointment
We will let you know if your child needs to have a follow-up appointment and give you patient leaflets if they are needed.