Childrens shielding update July >

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic we have changed the way our service operates. Please see information below regarding each of our pathways:

Speech and Language Therapy – All new referrals for speech and language difficulties have been temporarily  suspended. We are offering a service for feeding and swallowing difficulties. We continue to support vulnerable patients and their families. Questions regarding these areas only should be directed to the team via 0300 123 3444 and select option 1 and then option 3.

Dietetics – This service continues to operate as normal, referrals will be prioritised, and patient assessments completed via telephone consultation. Questions regarding dietary intake and feeding should be directed to the team via 0300 123 3444, and select option 1 and then option 3.

Physiotherapy – Referrals continue to be accepted but are prioritised according to severity.We are offering limited face to face appointments for urgent conditions, this is based on clinical decision made by the team. We continue to support vulnerable patients and their families, to manage equipment concerns and to support with EHCPs. Queries and referrals regarding these areas only should be directed to the team via 0300 123 3444 and select option 1 and then option 3.

Occupational Therapy - Referrals continue to be accepted but are prioritised according to severity. We continue to support vulnerable patients and their families, to manage equipment concerns and to support EHCPs. Queries and referrals regarding these areas only should be directed to the team via 0300 123 3444 and select option 1 and then option 3.

Podiatry – This service is currently suspended and not accepting new referrals.

ADHD service – All new referrals are temporarily suspended. We continue to offer medication reviews via telephone consultation. Queries and referrals regarding medication should be directed to the team via 0300 123 3444 and select option 1 and then option 3.

ASD service – This service is temporarily suspended.

Children’s Community Nursing – This service is operating as normal. Queries and referrals regarding nursing support should be directed to the team via 0300 123 3444 and select option 1 and then option 3, or via the nursing duty line at MEDCH.childrennursing@nhs.net

The Health Visiting and School Nursing Service – This service is operating on a reduced basis. You can contact your local Health Visiting and School Nursing  team via the duty line on 0300 123 3444 and select option 1 and then option 3, if you have any questions, or are worried about yourself or your child’s health and wellbeing. If you have a breastfeeding issue please see www.wearebesideyou.co.uk for more information or call your local team for telephone support. For mothers or babies with complex feeding needs, the specialist service will continue to operate and referrals should be made via the Health Visiting Service duty line. The services these teams are now offering are as follows:

• All vulnerable families and young people will be offered a range of face to face, video calls, or home visit depending on need
• Vulnerable antenatal women will be contacted and offered either video, telephone or face to face
• All of our New Birth visits will be carried out face to face, depending on need
• 6-8 week maternal mood assessments will be carried out by phone or video call