Child Health Care in George

Primary GP care for infants, children, and adolescents. Led by Dr Ethan Chellan, holder of the Diploma in Child Health (CMSA), postgraduate paediatric training most GPs don't have.

Provided by Dr Ethan Chellan, MBChB (Stellenbosch University), Diploma in Child Health (CMSA).

Diploma in Child Health (CMSA)
Road to Health Booklet reviews
Same-week appointments typical
Medical aid billed directly (40+ schemes)

Always Bring the Road to Health Booklet (RtHB)

The Road to Health Booklet is South Africa's official, patient-held record of your child's health, growth, and development from birth. It is used across both public and private health sectors, which means whether your child's past immunisations were given at a state clinic, a private GP, or a hospital, the RtHB is how clinicians see the full picture.

Bring the RtHB to every NeoHealth visit, routine or for illness. Without it, we cannot reliably confirm past vaccinations, plan catch-up doses safely, or track growth trends across visits. If the RtHB has been lost, damaged, or never issued, mention this at booking. We can start a new record and rebuild the history from available sources: previous clinic slips, vaccine stickers, or photos of past records.

Care for every age

From the first weeks of life through adolescence. Visits run 20 minutes as standard, longer for complex concerns.

Newborns & Infants (0-12 months)

Well-baby checks at 6, 10, 14 weeks, then 6, 9, 12 months
Growth monitoring, feeding and sleep support
Immunisation schedule review and record-keeping
Developmental screening and early intervention referral where needed

Toddlers & Preschool (1-5 years)

Developmental review aligned with schedule milestones
Development, behaviour, and toilet-training support
Nutrition review, common childhood illnesses
Crèche and school readiness assessments

School-age Children (6-12 years)

Routine check-ups and vaccine schedule review
Asthma, eczema, and chronic condition management
School medical forms and sports clearance
Mental health and behaviour screening

Adolescents (13-18 years)

Confidential consultations with a parent or independently
Mental health screening, mood and anxiety support
Contraception education and HPV schedule guidance
Sports clearance, acne, growth, and sleep concerns

Common reasons parents book

If you're not sure whether a concern needs a visit, book a routine consultation or WhatsApp us and we'll advise.

Fever and acute illness

Respiratory: colds, cough, bronchiolitis, RSV

Ear infections

Tummy issues: diarrhoea, constipation, reflux

Rashes and skin conditions

Immunisation schedule review and catch-up planning

Growth concerns

Developmental milestones

Behaviour and sleep concerns

Travel health for kids

Antibiotic concerns

Child mental health, ADHD, ASD and learning concerns

Children and adolescents can struggle with mood, anxiety, attention, learning, and development. Early GP-led assessment opens the door to the right help, which for these concerns almost always involves a team of professionals beyond the GP. We do the initial assessment, rule out medical contributors, and coordinate referral to the specialists who do the formal diagnosis and ongoing therapeutic work.

What we assess at GP level

Mood, anxiety, sleep, and behaviour concerns in children and adolescents
Attention, concentration, and impulsivity concerns (ADHD screening)
Concerns raised by schools, teachers, or parents about development, speech, or learning
Social communication concerns (autism spectrum concerns)
Medical contributors to behaviour or learning, including hearing, vision, thyroid, and sleep

Who we refer to, and why

Formal diagnosis of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions in children is multi-disciplinary by design. We actively refer, coordinate, and stay involved throughout. Depending on the concern, referrals may include:

Paediatrician for complex cases requiring specialist input. Dr Chellan can make the initial assessment and diagnosis of ADHD or ASD, initiate treatment where appropriate, and refer for specialist review when complexity, comorbidity, or poor response requires it.
Child and adolescent psychiatrist for complex mood, anxiety, or behaviour concerns, and medication management in children.
Clinical psychologist for therapy (CBT, play therapy, family therapy) and psychological assessment.
Educational psychologist for learning assessment, school placement advice, and cognitive profiling.
Occupational therapist for sensory integration, fine motor, and self-regulation support.
Speech and language therapist for language delay, articulation, and communication concerns.

The right combination depends on the child. We explain who does what and why, help with referral letters, and continue to see the child for general health alongside the specialist work.

How to start

Book a consultation and mention the concern when booking so we allocate enough time. Bring any school reports, teacher notes, developmental records, and the Road to Health Booklet. The first visit is usually history, screening questions, relevant examination, and a written plan for next steps.

Immunisation programme

We help parents understand the South African childhood vaccination schedule, track it in the Road to Health Booklet, and plan catch-up where needed. Please note: routine childhood vaccines are not currently administered on-site at NeoHealth. We refer parents to public clinics and local private vaccinators where appropriate, and we record all vaccine history given elsewhere at your consultation. Influvac and tetanus boosters available on-site at the practice for wound-care and seasonal use.

EPI-SA 2024 schedule (overview)

Birth (BCG, OPV), 6/10/14 weeks (hexavalent, rotavirus, PCV), 6 and 12 months (MR), 9 months (PCV booster), 18 months (hexavalent booster), 6 years (Tdap), 12 years (Tdap), Grade 5 (HPV). Read the full schedule with 2026 updates.

Extended schedule available privately in South Africa

These are available through private vaccinators and some pharmacy clinics in South Africa. Parents often combine EPI-SA schedule doses (public clinic) with private add-ons.

Rotavirus, Prevenar 20, Chickenpox, Hepatitis A
Flu (annual)
Meningococcal B (Bexsero), Meningococcal ACWY
HPV for boys and girls
Abrysvo (maternal RSV) and nirsevimab (infant RSV)

Record-keeping and vaccine history review

Bring the Road to Health Booklet to every visit. We record any vaccine history given elsewhere (public clinic, private pharmacy, other practices) so your child's record stays continuous, plan catch-up doses when there are gaps, and flag missing doses for action. If the RtHB has been lost, mention this at booking and we'll start rebuilding the record.

Catch-up

Catch-up schedules are available for most vaccines up to age fifteen. Rotavirus has a strict 24-week cut-off.

Well-baby and well-child checks

Regular check-ups catch issues early and keep development on track.

Standard schedule

6 weeks10 weeks14 weeks6 months9 months12 months18 months24 monthsAnnually from age 3

Each visit covers

Growth measurements (weight, length/height, head circumference)
Developmental milestones and red-flag screening
Feeding, sleep, and parental concerns
Immunisation review and next steps
Age-appropriate anticipatory guidance

Red-flag signs between visits

Poor weight gain, loss of acquired milestones, persistent irritability, or any of the urgent red flags below warrant a sooner visit.

When to bring your child in urgently

Fever with a non-blanching rash (does not fade when pressed with a glass)
Breathing difficulty, chest retractions, grunting, or flaring nostrils
Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, sunken fontanelle, fewer than 4 wet nappies in 24 hours
Lethargy, unusually hard to rouse, or floppy baby
Persistent vomiting, or vomiting with a severe headache
Convulsions
Any fever of 38°C or higher in a baby under 3 months old
Worsening after initial improvement

NeoHealth is not an emergency facility. For severe symptoms go to Mediclinic George Emergency Centre or dial 10177.

Our approach

Unhurried consultations: 20 minutes standard, extended slots available when more time is needed.
Parents as partners: explanations, decisions, and plans discussed openly, not dictated.
Honest about referral: when a paediatric specialist or allied professional is the right next step, we say so and coordinate the handover. See our referral network.
On-site: dispensing, pathology sample collection, nebulisation, minor procedures.
Telehealth follow-ups for routine paediatric questions: medication tolerance checks, rash photos, return-to-school advice. First visits stay in person.

Before your first visit

A short checklist to help the visit go smoothly.

Road to Health Booklet (essential): the patient-held record of immunisations, growth, and milestones.
Medical aid card or scheme details.
List of current medications, including any recent antibiotics or over-the-counter medicines.
A list of questions or concerns you want to discuss.
A comfort item for younger children (toy, blanket); consultations go more smoothly when they feel secure.

Consultation rates for both medical aid and self-paying / cash patients are published on our fees page.

Ready to book your child's appointment?

Online 24/7 or WhatsApp during practice hours. Same-week slots typically available.

Child health articles

Guides written by Dr Chellan, drawing on the Diploma in Child Health (CMSA).

Child Health9 min read

RSV and Bronchiolitis: What Parents Need to Know This Winter

The 2026 RSV season has started. Recognising bronchiolitis at home, red flags that need urgent care, and the new nirsevimab and Abrysvo prevention options now in SA private pharmacies.

Read article

Child Health9 min read

Why Your Doctor Sometimes Says No to Antibiotics

Most childhood colds, coughs, and sore throats don't need antibiotics. When they do, when they don't, and why it matters for South Africa's superbug crisis.

Read article

Child Health9 min read

Vaccines in 2026: Catch-Up Schedules, New Shots and AVW

The 2024 EPI-SA schedule update, catch-up rules for missed doses, and new private-sector options including meningococcal B, Abrysvo, and nirsevimab.

Read article

See all Child Health articles

A nurse trained in childhood illness, in the same visit

Veronica Terblanche works alongside our doctors and is trained in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), the structured approach used across South African primary care for assessing a sick child. She is registered with the South African Nursing Council as a General Nurse and Midwife.

In practice that means the growth, weight, feeding and developmental checks, the vitals and the immunisation record are done unhurried, by someone whose training is specifically in assessing children. Dr Chellan leads your child's medical care, with the Diploma in Child Health (CMSA), in the same visit. It stays one consultation, with one fee.

See what our nurse does for what happens as part of your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Common parent questions. If yours isn't covered, please contact us.

Why do I need to bring the Road to Health Booklet every time?

The Road to Health Booklet is South Africa's official patient-held record of your child's immunisations, growth, and developmental milestones. Without it, we cannot reliably verify past vaccines or plan catch-up doses safely, and we lose continuity with past public-sector and private-sector visits.

My child's Road to Health Booklet is lost. What do I do?

We start a new record at your first visit and rebuild the immunisation history from available sources. Come prepared with any photos of past vaccine stickers, past clinic slips, or the names of places where previous vaccinations were given.

Do you bill Discovery KidsPack, Bonitas Babyline, GEMS Emerald, and other medical aid scheme benefit options directly?

Yes, we bill most scheme benefit options directly. Bring your scheme card and member number to the first visit.

Can I bring my child without an appointment?

Booking is recommended to reduce waiting time, but we accommodate urgent walk-ins when clinical capacity allows. Call reception first if you are unsure.

What vaccines are compulsory in South Africa?

The EPI-SA schedule vaccines are strongly recommended by the National Department of Health, but none are legally compulsory. Some schools, crèches, and universities require up-to-date vaccine records for enrolment.

Do you see newborns before 6 weeks old?

Yes. Early well-baby visits are important, especially if there are feeding, weight, or jaundice concerns, or if you want to discuss safe sleep and development before the 6-week immunisation visit.

Can Dr Chellan be my child's primary doctor long-term?

Yes. We build continuity of care from infancy through adolescence, which is particularly valuable for chronic conditions, ongoing developmental monitoring, and familiar-face consultations when children are unwell.

Do you complete school medical forms and sports clearance certificates?

Yes, these are included in routine consultations. Bring the form with you to the visit.

My child has eczema, asthma, or ADHD. Can you manage chronic conditions?

Yes, with specialist referral where clinically appropriate. For complex cases we work with local paediatricians and allied health professionals (see our Referral Network).

What if my child needs a paediatrician specialist?

We refer to local paediatricians (see our Referral Network page) and remain involved in ongoing coordinated care.

About Dr Ethan Chellan

Dr Ethan Chellan: MBChB (Stellenbosch University), Diploma in Child Health (CMSA).

Dr Chellan obtained his MBChB from Stellenbosch University. He completed his internship at the Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex, rotating through a broad range of disciplines, followed by community service at All Saints Hospital in Engcobo, a rural facility in the Eastern Cape.

He subsequently gained tertiary-level paediatric experience at Frere Hospital in East London, working across both inpatient and outpatient services. He holds a Diploma in Child Health (CMSA) from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, a postgraduate qualification in paediatric primary care, and is a licensed dispensing GP, enabling him to provide paediatric medication directly from his practice.

He has also passed the Part I (Primary) FC Paed(SA) examination, the primary examination of the Fellowship of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa, written at registrar level. He is certified in Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is a member of the South African Paediatric Association (SAPA).

Dip Child Health (CMSA)Part I (Primary) FC Paed(SA)SAPA memberPALSBLSACLS

Read Dr Chellan's full bio

We care for families from George, Wilderness, Mossel Bay, Knysna, and across the Garden Route.

Book or visit

NeoHealth

Suite 12, Prince Vintcent Square, Gloucester Avenue, George Central, 6530, Western Cape, South Africa.

Mon to Fri 09:00 to 17:00 · Saturday 09:00 to 13:00 · Closed Sunday & public holidays.

Disclaimer: This page describes paediatric GP services offered at NeoHealth and is intended as general information. It is not personalised medical advice. All clinical decisions are made in consultation with a doctor, based on individual history and examination. In medical emergencies, call 10177 or go to your nearest emergency facility.