routine checkups

[amwr]

Hi Mums
I am a Spanish mum living in the Richmond area having some trouble to understand the health visitor´s system. When we came to the UK my son was 3 months old, then they told me that the health visitor for my area was in maternity leave and that I should take my son regularly to the baby clinic. He had there his 9 month routine checkup by another health visitor and we were asked to come back when he was 12 months. We missed the 12 month checkup but a few weeks later we rang to arrange a visit, since then -2 months- I have rang the baby clinic 3 times and they´ve always told me that my health visitor will ring me back, which she hasn´t. I am worried in case these checkups are compulsory and we get in trouble. My husband thinks that I shouldn´t ring more. My son goes to the pediatrician every time we are in Spain. Can someone let me know when is recommended for a child to have his checkups in the UK? Should I arrange a visit to my local GP instead?

The check ups aren't compulsory at all and you certainly won't get into any trouble. They're to make sure your baby is developing as they should and, hopefully, to pick up and potential problems early. If you DS has had is 9 month check I wouldn't worry too much. The GP is always there is you have any specific concerns. I would just take him to the next clinic and ask them to do the a late 12 month check for you and leave it at that.