ABSTRACT
Children and young people are the next generation of health service users. Traditionally, primary healthcare for children and young people has been provided in health centres and general practices, with some specific functions carried out in the school. 4US is a general practice clinic held in a senior school in rural Herefordshire. Specific clinics for young people outside the school setting have the advantage of being dedicated to the needs of the particular age group and the environment can be designed solely for this purpose. An environment that is perceived as friendly by those who use it is one in which an effort has been made to create some familiarity for them, with elements of homeliness and comfort. Children and teenagers have different environmental needs. Creating an environment suitable for the healthcare of children and young people need not be expensive or complicated, but requires a sensitivity to the needs of the age group, coupled with innovation and imagination.
