Community Paediatrician Service
Introduction
This service supports children and young people 0-18 with developmental problems or disabilities and associated health conditions.
To be eligible children and young people have to be registered with an NHS GP in the Mid Essex area (Chelmsford, Braintree, Witham).
Exclusions
We are not able to treat children with acute medical illness or long-term health problems such as Asthma, Diabetes or immune disorders.
For premature babies with complex problems who are under the care of hospital paediatricians, shared care is offered after two years of age.
What does the service do?
Specialist Paediatricians undertake assessment, diagnosis and management of children with a wide range of developmental needs and disabilities (plus associated conditions) in the following clinical areas:
- Developmental paediatrics including neurodisability (i.e. Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, chromosomal/genetic conditions and syndromes)
- Neurodiversity (includes a wide range of differences, such Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome, Dyslexia, Bi-Polar and Global Development Delay)
- Educational Paediatrics including statutory medical assessments and annual reviews of children with learning difficulties and/or complex additional needs
For further information and support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, please visit the SEND Local Offer
Our team
Our team is comprised of five Consultants, one Associate Specialist and five Clinic Assistants. The Clinic Assistants work alongside the paediatric team to support the doctors, take weight, height and blood pressure measurements and make sure that face-to-face contacts are child friendly.
The team is also helped by one/two other doctors (Specialist Registrars), who are on training placements from hospital settings.
Where you can Find Us
Clinics were routinely held in the following locations:
Stapleford House – Chelmsford
Crouch Vale Medical Centre – South Woodham Ferrers
Braintree NHS Livewell Hub – Braintree
Referals to ADHD and Autism assessments
Referrals for Autism and ADHD services can be made by your child or young person’s education setting, GP or a health care professional. For more information about MyCareBridge click here.
How to refer to the Community Paediatricians?
The most common route for referral to other paediatric services is through a GP. Other professionals including Health Visitors, School Nurses, Audiologists, Therapists and Tier 111 CAMHS are also able to access the service if they or you have any concerns.
Referrals are handled by the Care Coordination Centre
How will the appointment be arranged?
We will ensure the referral is appropriate for the Paediatric service (triaging). If further information is needed you will be contacted by Provide’s Care Coordination Centre (CCC) who may request the completion of questionnaires or school reports. Once this information has been gathered the CCC will contact you again, either by phone or letter, to give an appointment date and time.
If your appointment is face-to-face you will be given additional, specific instructions about attendence in order to keep you and your child safe.
Information for the assessment
History taking is a very important part of the assessment process. It is helpful for parents/caregivers to be clear about the concerns they have, as well as the past medical, social and behavioural history of the child. The Paediatrician will also ask about the developmental milestones and educational progress. Having a written list to give to the Paediatrician may be helpful.
Useful contacts:
Useful Downloads
Community Paediatrician Service Referral Form
Autism and ADHD Assessment – Schools Referral Form – For schools to complete only and please return to provide.ccc@nullnhs.net