My name is Maureen Davidson and I have been the Health Visitor at Fairfield Medical Practice for 20 years. My work is mainly with families with children under school age. I see families in their own homes, and run three Baby Clinics at the Practice.
Part of my work is to immunise children between 2-4 months, at 12 months, and again at 4-5 years before they go to school.
I see babies and children regularly from 11 days old up until 8 months, and then for routine check-ups yearly. I am available to any parent, who may have a concern about their child of any age.
I work closely with the Doctors and Nurses at the Practice and am interested in the whole family's health. My aim as a Health Visitor is to give babies and their parents the best and healthiest start possible.
My baby clinics are Tuesday & Thursday mornings, and Wednesday afternoons, and an appointment can be made through the Reception. I also have a mobile phone during work hours to allow people to contact me directly. If you ring 01463 706700 and leave a message on the answering machine, someone will contact me and give me your details.
Below I have listed some common childhood ailments and their treatment.
Chickenpox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of these developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 3-4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn 'crusty' and fall off. Oily calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from 2-3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this date. Children may need a 7-10 days off school.
German Measles (Rubella)
The rash appears during the 1st day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm and doesn't itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints. It is infectious from 2 days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about 4-5 days from that date. The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the forth day of illness. It is at its most infection form 2-3 days before the rash appears until 8-10 days after that date; it is now rare. Immunisation can prevent this disease
Mumps
Symptoms are swelling of the glands in front of one or other ear often followed, after a couple of days, by swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious 2-3 days before the swelling appears until 8-10 days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor. Now also rare. Immunisation can prevent this disease
Click here for The Parent Zone , a website launched by the Scottish Executive as a one-stop-site for parents, guardians and carers looking for information about education and other school issues - Worth a Look!
I hope this page has given you an insight as to what I do. If you have any suggestions or queries, please contact me.
Maureen