What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:00 - 12:30 13:00 - 16:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 12:30 13:00 - 16:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 12:30 13:00 - 16:00 Thursday 08:00 - 12:30 13:00 - 16:00 Friday 08:00 - 12:30 13:00 - 16:00 Saturday 08:00 - 12:30

Pendleton Childrens Clinic

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Zambia
Lusaka
Pendleton Childrens Clinic

Pendleton is an out-patient specialist children's clinic providing evidence based medicine by Paediatricians to children from 1 day old to 16 years of age.
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Pendleton Family Practice (Formally Pendleton Health Care Clinic) has been providing quality outpatient medical care in Zambia since 1984. From inception, it has been fully owned and run by Zambian doctors with years of experience in both the public and private health sectors. Over the years, the clinical focus shifted from family medicine to exclusively providing specialist services in Paediatric

s and Child Health. This entails providing quality outpatient treatment and care to children 16 years and under. The management team has a deep understanding of its diverse clientele’s health needs and has adapted its service delivery to suit the prevailing health and socio economic environment in Zambia. We pride ourselves in delivering high quality evidence based medical services in a very child friendly environment. Parents and caregivers are given 20-40minute appointments to consult with our doctors and 10minute appointments with our nurses for the UnderFive clinics. In so doing, we give each patient dedicated time to understand their health needs in a non-rushed manner without compromising on the quality of care. Ultimately, this helps to reduce patient waiting times by ensuring children are seen a their appointment times.

20/07/2025

Last week nurse Pauline attended a Sickle Cell Disease Symposium at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio — an enriching experience that deepened her expertise and reaffirmed the importance of continuous learning in healthcare.

The symposium brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates from across the globe to share the latest advancements in sickle cell disease (SCD) care. From cutting-edge treatment updates to real-world case discussions, Sr Pauline will return with a wealth of knowledge that will directly benefit the children and families we care for.

Key takeaways included:
🔹 Evidence-based strategies for infection prevention and vaccination
🔹 The importance of dismantling myths, including addressing racial bias in pain management
🔹 Approaches to support school-aged children with SCD or sickle cell trait who face academic challenges
🔹 The value of addressing social and emotional aspects of living with SCD

What stood out most was the emphasis on holistic, patient-centred care — treating not just the illness, but supporting the child as a whole, within their family, school, and community.

Attending global conferences like this one keeps us current and connected. They allow our team to continually grow, apply the best evidence in practice, and advocate more effectively for children living with chronic conditions like SCD.

We are incredibly proud of Nurse Pauline for representing our clinic on the international stage. Her passion and commitment are a true asset to our team and our patients.

17/07/2025

🩸 Sickle Cell Disease Awareness: What Every Parent Should Know!

Did you know Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can be detected as early as the first week of life?

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

SCD is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, the cells become sickle-shaped — causing them to block blood flow, break down early, and lead to serious complications.

⚠️ Common Symptoms:
• Painful episodes (sickle cell crises)
• Fatigue and low energy
• Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Swelling in hands and feet (often from 9 months old)
• Frequent infections

👶🏽 Who’s at Risk?
• Children with a family history of SCD
• Those who inherit the gene from both parents

🩺 Why Early Diagnosis Matters:
With a simple rapid diagnostic test, babies can be screened at birth to find out if they:
🔹 Have the disease (SS)
🔹 Carry the trait (AS)

Early diagnosis allows for prompt initiation of preventative measures:
✅ Penicillin to prevent infections
✅ Vaccinations
✅ Folic acid supplementation
✅ Regular check-ups and support

💡 Living with SCD:
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Take prescribed medications like hydroxyurea
• Attend routine medical visits

🌍 Let’s raise awareness, support families and push for early screening for every child.

14/07/2025

🩸 Got a Nosebleed? Here’s What Parents Need to Know!

Most nosebleeds in kids start just inside the nostril, on the nasal septum—where blood vessels are fragile and can burst easily. Common triggers:
• Picking their nose
• Colds, allergies, or stuffy noses
• Blowing their nose
• Minor bumps to the nose

Rare causes include tumors or blood clotting issues, and heavier or longer-lasting bleeds may occur in children with heart conditions or those on blood-thinning meds.

✅ Easy First Aid:
1. Have your child sit up and lean forward to avoid swallowing blood.
2. Pinch the soft tip of the nose with thumb and finger—right below the bony part—for 10–20 minutes (don’t release early!).
3. Add a cold compress to the nose and front of the face if handy—cold helps vessels shrink.
4. After it stops, avoid nose-picking or blowing to prevent a second bleed.
5. If they feel faint, let them lie down on their side.

👉 Seek medical help if:
• Bleeding lasts longer than 20–30 minutes
• Large blood loss or vomiting blood
• The child feels dizzy, weak, or short of breath
• They’re on blood-thinners or have a clotting disorder

🔄 For recurring nosebleeds:
If your child has frequent bleeds, a treatment like nasal gel (e.g., chlorhexidine with neomycin) is usually tried first. If that doesn’t help, an ENT doctor can cauterize (burn) the bleeding spot—a quick, effective outpatient option.

Most nosebleeds are easy to manage at home and aren’t serious—but don’t hesitate to get help if it’s heavy, persistent, or part of a pattern.

07/07/2025

When should you give your baby allergenic foods like peanut butter or eggs?

Parents are often nervous about introducing allergenic foods in their babies diet, often for the fear of having a severe allergic reaction! We now know that doing it early might help prevent allergies!

➡️ Old advice said to wait before offering foods like peanuts or eggs.
➡️ New research shows the opposite! Delaying may actually increase the risk of allergies.

A landmark study found that babies at high risk (with eczema or egg allergy) who were introduced to peanuts between 4–6 months were less likely to develop a peanut allergy later on. The benefits last long term! Similar protection has been seen with early introduction of eggs and dairy (like yogurt, not whole milk).

When to start?
Around 6 months, when your baby shows signs of readiness for solids (e.g. holding head up, interest in food). Babies get all the nutrition they need from breast milk, formula or a combination of both until they are around 6 months of age. That's when they are usually ready to try their first few bites of solid food.

✅ Start with low-allergy risk foods like rice cereal, fruit and veggies. Try one new food at a time and wait 1 day before another.
Then, if tolerated:
🌾 Introduce allergenic foods like:
• 🥜 Peanut (thinned peanut butter in puree or formula)
• 🥚 Egg (well-cooked)
• 🧀 Yogurt
• 🌰 Nut butters (like tahini)
• 🐟 Fish & shellfish
• 🌾 Wheat
• 🌱 Soy
• 🌿 Sesame
Start with small tastes and increase gradually if no reaction. Keep these foods in their diet regularly.

BUT — talk to your paediatrician first if your baby:
• Has or had severe eczema
• Had a reaction to a food before

❗️Never give whole peanuts or nuts to babies — they are a choking hazard!

04/07/2025

My child has a “speech delay”?

🤔First, let’s understand the difference between speech and language.

🗣️Speech is how we produce sounds and words. It includes:
👉🏾Articulation – using the mouth, lips and tongue to form sounds (e.g., saying “water” instead of “wawa”).
👉🏾Voice – how we use vocal cords and breath to speak. Voice can be loud, soft, high or low. Children and adults can hurt their voices by talking too much, yelling or coughing a lot.
👉🏾Fluency – this is the rhythm of speech. We sometimes repeat sounds or pause while talking.

💡Many people use “speech delay” when they actually mean a language delay.

💬Language is how we use words to share ideas. It includes:
👉🏾Receptive language – understanding words and instructions.
👉🏾Expressive language – using words to communicate.
👉🏾Word meanings – e.g., “star” can mean a bright object in sky or a celebrity.
👉🏾Word building – “friend,” “friendly,” “unfriendly” mean something different.
👉🏾Word order – saying “Chanda walked to the new shop,” not “Chanda walk shop new.”
👉🏾Pragmatics – knowing what to say and when e.g., Politely “Zikomo, nipiteko” vs. if the person does not move “Nifuna kupita”.

💡Children and adults who struggle with sounds, voice or fluency may have a speech disorder.
💡Those who struggle to understand or use words may have a language disorder.

🧑🏽‍🎨Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) help individuals with speech and language challenges. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics.

📅 If you have concerns, please book an appointment at Pendleton Clinic with our SLP, Katongo Bhemba.

02/07/2025

What’s that rash?!

If your child suddenly breaks out in raised, itchy, red or skin-coloured welts that seem to appear, disappear, and change shape—don’t panic. It might be urticaria, also known as hives.

What causes it?
It’s the immune system reacting—sometimes to allergens, sometimes to other triggers:
🍤 Foods (like nuts, eggs, shellfish)
💊 Medications (antibiotics, vaccines)
🐝 Insect bites/stings
🌸 Pollen, cold, or heat
😷 Viral infections (especially common in kids!)
😰 Stress or pressure on the skin

Symptoms to look out for:
• Itchy welts that move around and fade quickly
• Swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, or feet (angioedema)

When to worry:
If your child has hives plus breathing trouble, tongue or throat swelling, or dizziness—seek emergency care. It may be anaphylaxis.

💊Treatment:
• Antihistamines help ease the itch and rash
• A short course of steroids may be needed - best discussed with your paediatrician
• Avoid known triggers

🤱🏽 Reassuring parents is key. Hives can look scary, but they’re usually not dangerous—and often go away on their own. Stay calm, stay informed!

30/06/2025

521 children! 🙌🏽

That’s how many kids came through our Pendleton Lilayi and Northmead doors during Child Health Week 2025!

A huge shoutout to the dedicated parents and caregivers who showed up for growth monitoring and vaccinations—and an even bigger round of applause for our incredible nurses. Your compassion, energy and care made every visit count!

Thank you for making this week a success!

28/06/2025

Struggling to get your little one to eat vegetables? Here is some great advice from Solid Starts

27/06/2025

Why should keep your child’s vaccination record (Under-5 Card) safe and updated?

Your child’s vaccination record is more than just a card — it’s an essential part of their health history. It shows exactly which vaccines your child has received and helps ensure they stay on schedule for full protection against serious illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough.

Vaccines are given at specific ages and sometimes in a series of doses. Without a clear record, your child could miss important vaccines or receive unnecessary repeat doses. That’s why bringing the under-5 card to every clinic visit — and making sure it’s updated by the nurse — is so important.

This card isn’t just helpful for doctors. It may be required for school admission, travel or emergencies when quick medical decisions are needed. Having it on hand means less stress and no delays in getting care.

Many clinics, including Pendleton, now offer digital vaccination records. But keeping the physical card as a backup is still crucial in case of tech issues.

Lost your card? Don’t worry — we can help you reconstruct the record from clinic files.

✅ Stay protected
✅ Stay organised
✅ Stay ready

Your child’s health is worth it. Keep that record safe!

25/06/2025

It’s cold & flu season in Zambia!

Help protect your little ones with simple steps like regular handwashing, masking, and good hygiene — but don’t forget the power of nutrition! 🥦🍊

When your child’s immune system is fighting off a virus, nutritious foods play a key role. Foods rich in vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants help the body recover faster — and even more importantly, build strong immunity before illness strikes.

Think local and seasonal: oranges, lemons, berries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and butternut are all immune-boosting options available right here at home.

💡Tip: Healthy eating shouldn't wait for a runny nose. Make these foods part of your child’s everyday diet to support growth, health, and natural defenses all year round.

23/06/2025

Pendleton Children’s Clinic joins the Zambian Ministry of Health from 23rd to 28th June 2025 for this year's 1st round of Child Health Week services!

Bring your eligible children for FREE routine and catchup vaccines, Vitamin A and Deworming. No appointments needed. Children will be attended to on first-come-first-serve basis. See you soon!

19/06/2025

🍼 Teething Troubles? Here’s How to Soothe Your Little One! 🌙
Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. As those tiny teeth begin to emerge, your baby might experience discomfort. Here's how to recognize the signs and provide relief:

🦷 Common Teething Symptoms
•Increased drooling: A sign of teething discomfort.
•Chewing on objects: Babies often gnaw to alleviate gum pressure.
•Irritability and fussiness: Teething can make babies more sensitive.
•Sleep disturbances: Pain can disrupt their usual sleep patterns.
•Red or swollen gums: The area where teeth are emerging may appear inflamed.

🌿 Soothing Tips
•Cold compress: Gently rub your baby's gums with a clean finger or a chilled, damp washcloth.
•Teething rings: Offer solid, chilled teething rings (avoid liquid-filled ones).
•Cold foods: If your baby has started solids, chilled fruits like banana slices can provide relief.
•Pain relief: Consult your Paediatrician about appropriate pain relievers for your baby.
•Comforting: Extra cuddles and comfort can help soothe your baby during this time.

🚫 What to Avoid
•Frozen items: Do not give your baby frozen teething rings or hard foods that could cause harm.
•Teething necklaces: These pose choking and strangulation hazards.
•Topical gels: Avoid gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as they can be harmful. These gels can easily numb the throat if swallowed, leading to choking or aspiration.
Additionally, Infants can’t rinse or spit, so they often ingest more than intended. It is best to speak to your paediatrician before getting these over-the-counter gels.

When your baby’s teeth are coming through, she may also have a very slight increase in temperature. But if her temperature reaches 38°C or above, it’s not because of teething. If your baby has symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea while teething, consult your paediatrician to find out whether there is a medical condition requiring treatment. Remember, teething is a phase that will pass!

Address

Lusaka

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 12:30
	13:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 12:30
	13:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 12:30
	13:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 12:30
	13:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 12:30
	13:00 - 16:00
Saturday	08:00 - 12:30

Telephone

+260979390003

Website

http://www.pendleton.clinic/

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Our Story

Pendleton Family Practice is one of the first private clinics to be established in Zambia. Formally called Pendleton Health Care Clinic, it has been providing quality medical outpatient treatment and care for over 35 years. From inception, it has been fully owned and run by Zambian doctors with years of experience in both the public and private health sectors.

Over the years, the focus of the clinic has shifted from General Medicine to specialist primary health care services in Paediatrics and Child Health. This entails the provision of quality outpatient treatment and care for children under the age of 16 years. The management team has a deep understanding of its clientele’s health needs and has adapted its service delivery to suit the prevailing health and socio economic environment in Zambia.

The clinic strives to provide the best evidence based primary health care services for children. Our staff are ensure that patients and their caregivers are cared for in a happy and child friendly environment. Parents are given enough time to consult and discuss with our doctors and nurses so that they fully understand their child's ailments or health issues. Patients are seen by appointment for all services provided within the clinic. In so doing, we give each patient individualised and dedicated care in a timely and efficient manner without compromising on the quality of care and ultimately reducing patient waiting times.