Community Paediatrician Service

Supporting Developmental and Health Needs of Children

Introduction

Our Community Paediatrician Service is dedicated to children aged 0-18 experiencing developmental problems or disabilities, along with associated health issues. To access our services, children must be registered with an NHS GP in the Mid Essex area.

Exclusions

Our service does not cover children with acute medical illnesses or long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or immune disorders. We offer shared care for premature babies with complex problems under hospital paediatricians’ care, starting from two years of age.

What We Do

Our Specialist Paediatricians provide assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of developmental difficulties and disabilities, including:

• Developmental paediatrics, including neurodisability (e.g., Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, chromosomal/genetic conditions).
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism and ADHD).
• Educational Paediatrics, including statutory medical assessments and reviews for children with learning difficulties or complex needs.
• For additional support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, please refer to the SEND Local Offer.

Our Team

Comprising of five Consultants, an Associate Specialist, five Clinic Assistants, and occasionally one or two Specialist Registrars on training placements, our team ensures every child’s visit is friendly and informative. Clinic Assistants support with measurements like weight, height, and blood pressure, and ensure a child-friendly environment.

Clinic Locations

Before March 2020, we operated clinics at various locations, including Stapleford House, Community Health Clinic in Burnham-on-Crouch, and others. Currently, we are providing telephone or video consultations with plans to reintroduce face-to-face appointments safely.

Referral Process

Referrals are commonly made through a GP, though Health Visitors, School Nurses, Audiologists, Therapists, and Tier 111 CAMHS can also refer. Referrals are managed by the Care Coordination Centre.

Appointment Arrangement

On receiving a referral, we conduct an initial check (triaging) to ensure you’re appropriate for our service. The Care Coordination Centre (CCC) may contact you for additional information, such as questionnaires or school reports. Once gathered, the CCC will arrange your appointment, providing specific instructions for face-to-face visits to ensure safety.

Preparing for Your Appointment

A key part of the assessment is history taking. It’s helpful for parents or caregivers to be clear about their concerns, the child’s past medical, social, and behavioural history, developmental milestones, and educational progress. A written list of these details can be beneficial during your consultation with the paediatrician.