Until the First World War, local people relied on local knowledge of natural remedies and medical practitioners were few and far between.

At the end of the war, Reeves Iron Works instituted a sickness club mainly to deal with injuries received during working hours; but this soon led to the formation of other clubs such as Oddfellows and Buffalows to which members paid 1/6d per week for benefit. Strict rules had to be kept while 'on the club' such as no mixing with people outside the family and being in the house by six o'clock at night. It was through these clubs that doctors and nurses eventually attended the sick in Bratton.

Dr Bird was one of the first - he lived and had his surgery in Mill House, Melbourne Street; Dr Oatley followed Dr Bird on his retirement - he also lived and had his surgery in Mill House. Nurse Broad was the local midwife who also dealt with minor injuries; childhood diseaes; laying otu the dead and general hygiene. She lived in a cottage at the top pf Church Steps and rode a very old-fashioned iron bicycle with her case strapped on the carrier at the back. She never complained about being called out at any time of day or night and if people had fallen behind with their 1/- per week for her services, this did not worry her.

Nurse Broad eventually retired and went to Plymouth to live.

During the late 1920's, a pavilion (also used as a tea shop) was built in the grounds of Hillworth House and shop, and this became the doctor's surgery. Dr's Richards and Shorland (who was an ex-Naval doctor) served the village from here for many years - until the building known as the Church Institute was used by Dr's Summerhill and Higgins.

When the flats opposite were built during the 1970's, a reservation of one for the doctor's surgery was made and his is the one in use today.

Many thanks to Kathleen C White for this history of Bratton Surgery, a copy of which can be seen hanging in reception.