Referrals
Introduction
Referrals to the Children’s Autism and ADHD Assessment Pathway via MyCareBridge
Referrals for Autism and ADHD assessments can be made via MyCareBridge. MyCareBridge is an online portal which allows your child’s school, their GP or health professional to submit a referral.
The portal is for children who are registered with a GP in mid and south Essex. This includes Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend, Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock.
We do not accept self-referrals from parents, carers or young people themselves.
Once we receive a referral, parents/carers will receive an email with a link to create a log in account on MyCareBridge. We ask parents/carers and schools (or the parent, if home educated) to complete online questionnaires which helps us decide the most appropriate care pathway for your child.
We understand that filling out the questionnaires may take time, but providing detailed information at the start of your child’s assessment journey helps us understand their needs. This ensures we can reach an outcome as quickly as possible.
Once a referral is submitted through MyCareBridge, parents/carers and the school have 4 weeks to complete the online questionnaires. Both must be completed for the referral to move forward.
If one or both questionnaires are not completed within this time, the referral will be closed. If this happens, you will need to ask your original referrer to submit a new referral. Unfortunately, we cannot reopen closed referrals.
How to make a referral via MyCareBridge
GPs, health visitors and other health professionals
https://provide.mycarebridge.co.uk/referral-form
Education settings (schools, colleges, nurseries)
Please email the children and young people’s team in your area to be added to the portal: provide.cccpaediatrics@nullnhs.net
Parents/carers
We do not accept referrals made by parents, carers, family members or young people themselves.If you feel the child/young person requires and Autism or ADHD assessment, we encourage you to discuss this with their education setting or GP about them making a referral through MyCareBridge.
You will be emailed with access information to MyCareBridge when your referral is made by a GP, health visitor, or educational setting.
If your child has already been referred via MyCareBridge and you are having issues accessing the portal, please contact the service: provide.cccpaediatrics@nullnhs.net
Frequently asked questions
Which areas are covered by the portal?
The portal is for children who are registered with a GP in mid and south Essex. This includes Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend, Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock.
Which ages is the portal for?
The portal is for children and young people aged up to 18 years old.
Who can make a referral?
Educational settings, health visitors, GPs, and other healthcare professionals including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and audiologists can make a referral. If you are a healthcare professional and unsure if you can make a referral, please contact your local service.
Which educational settings can use the portal?
Nurseries, schools, and colleges can use the portal.
Will the portal tell me how long the referral will take?
The portal cannot tell you how long the referral will take, however it will allow you track your referral in the system so you can see if here are any delays.
I need some help completing the questionnaires on MyCareBridge – is there a guide?
Yes, a school’s user guide and Parent Guide can be found in the ‘Resource’ tab on MyCareBridge.
I am a GP or healthcare professional. Can I still refer to SystmOne?
Yes, GPs and health visitors can still use SystmOne to refer, however we recommend using the portal as it allows families to track their referral and access information about local support.
I’m having issues accessing or using the portal – who should I contact?
Please contact: provide.cccpaediatrics@nullnhs.net
How is data kept secure?
Data is held securely on encrypted servers, with the relevant access control systems in place, following the Data Protection Act 2018 principles.
Who do I contact about the content in the local support and resources section?
Please contact: provide.cccpaediatrics@nullnhs.net
What about adult referrals for autism and ADHD services?
People aged over 18 should contact their GP to discuss a referral to adult autism/ ADHD services in mid and south Essex. GPs should continue to follow current pathways for referring people aged over 18.
Which healthcare professionals can make referrals?
GPs, HVs, and other child health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and audiologists working in children’s services. If you are a healthcare professional and unsure if you can make a referral, please contact the relevant service in your area.
Can GPs/ health visitors/ other healthcare professionals track referrals?
GPs will receive automated email updates as the child’s referral progresses through the system.
Support while you wait for an assessment
