CHILDRENS HEALTH

How the clinic works

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In the clinic itself - usually at your normal doctor's surgery - there will be an anteroom of some kind with a receptionist (assistente) who does the routine weighing and measuring, and two treating rooms: one for the nurse(s), and one for the doctor him/herself. The consultatiebureau-arts (CB-arts) - as she is termed - has done specialist training beyond her standard medical qualifications in order to prepare for this kind of work, but is not as highly qualified as a kinderarts - paediatrician - whom you might meet in the hospital.

For some appointments you will see the nurse only, and some the doctor only (although at your clinic you may always see the nurse first even on a nominally doctor-only trip). Like your GP, the nurse may at times have a trainee/student with her; she will always check with you that this is OK.

According to my leaflet:

• you will see the nurse when your child is eight weeks, 4, 7.5 and 12 months;
• you will see the doctor when your child is four weeks, 3, 5.5, 9 and 15 months.

For these 'baby visits' you'll make the next appointment each time you visit. Note that the ages are fairly approximate and a week or two here or there isn't crucial.

What do I need to do for a clinic visit?

Read more here about what the visit's like, and how you can make it work best for you and your child.

Preventative side