Medical Centre

Whilst the Matron and Housemaster or Housemistress are the first port of call for any pupil who may feel unwell, the Medical Centre plays an important and integral part in the overall pastoral care and welfare of all pupils at the College. It is permanently staffed during term-time by a team of 7 qualified nurses, who are supported by 2 qualified GPs from the nearby parish surgery at Chapel Row, 3 miles away. There is a close co-operation between the medical staff and all the houses, and this ensures that parents are kept fully informed on any medical issues concerning their child.

New Pupils

All boarding pupils are required to register with the College’s Medical Officer at Chapel Row surgery, while day pupils are encouraged to do so, in order that the nursing staff can care fully for all pupils’ medical needs during their time at Bradfield. Parents of all new pupils are asked to complete a confidential medical questionnaire and all pupils are given a full medical examination during their first few weeks at the College.

Pupil Care

A drop-in nurses’ clinic is held every morning and evening during term-time (including weekends). In addition, there is a daily doctor’s surgery (Mon-Fri). Emergency treatment and sudden illness can be dealt with at any time. The Medical Centre is well-equipped with 12 beds for pupils requiring observation, and includes facilities for overnight accommodation; all routine ailments and minor injuries can be cared for easily on site. Any pupils with more serious conditions requiring hospital treatment are always accompanied to the nearby Newbury or Reading NHS hospitals. The Medical Centre can arrange any vaccinations as required, both to keep existing immunisations up to date, but also to ensure pupils are covered for any school trips, family holiday or Gap year travel plans. All prescriptions are delivered daily from the local dispensary at Chapel Row.

Additional Services

The College employs a fully qualified asthma nurse who oversees the welfare of all pupils with asthma. There is also a visiting physiotherapist who holds clinics twice weekly at the Medical Centre.