Central London's private health services

When you have children, the health services around you become so much more important. As a single adult you might not have visited your GP for years, yet suddenly ante-natal and post-natal check-ups, scans, vaccinations and infant illnesses find you accessing health professionals all the time.

Pregnancy and early parenthood also often open up a world of alternative medicine to people who want to find safe, non-medical solutions to health issues and general well-being. We begin to appreciate the spectrum of different private services at hand, from doulas and cranial osteopaths to paediatric dentists and doctors, alongside the services we might tap into from the NHS.

Benefits to private health clinics include faster access to appointments, continuity of care (which can mean a lot to a child who likes to see a familiar face), and specialised referrals and treatment.

Importantly, private care allows you to choose freely where you go, instead of your options being limited to what is within your local health area.

The Westover Clinic, SW3, W11, W4, SW18
www.thewestover.com
Located at Chelsea (020 7052 0070), Chiswick (020 8747 6140), Notting Hill (020 7243 7080) and Wandsworth (020 8877 1877), The Westover offers a range of private health services including GPs, dentists and specialist medical and cosmetic care. It serves extensive paediatric needs and its Travel Clinic can help with advice and inoculations.

Weymouth Street Paediatric Dental Practice, W1
www.paediatric-dentistry.co.uk
This is a specialist private practice dedicated to children and adolescents. As well as regular appointments, the practice welcomes those children with special medical needs and those with dental trauma. Tel: 020 7580 5370

The Feeding Clinic, W1
www.thefeedingclinic.com
Specialist advice for problematic feeding situations to help babies and children develop good feeding and eating patterns, with optimum nutritional benefits. Tel: 020 7224 2800

The Organic Pharmacy Chelsea, SW10
www.theorganicpharmacy.com
This is a registered herbal dispensary with qualified homeopaths and pharmacists to consult and advise on herbal and homeopathic medicine. As well as treatments and products for pre- and post-natal conditions, products are suitable for babies and children. Tel: 020 7351 2232

Alexandra Vohryzek-Samuel, W1
www.alexandrathehomeopath.co.uk
Based at the Intergrated Medical Centre, 43 New Cavendish Street, Vohryzek-Samuel offers homeopathic medical care for babies and children, covering a wide range of issues from colic and teething to colds and flu, eczema and hyperactivity. Tel: 07891 641 837