Those aged 0 – 15 years old, Those aged 16 – 19 years old, may be referred if disabled and in special education

Community Paediatrics is the care of children outside hospital. Our Team is made up of a group of friendly and enthusiastic Doctors (Community Paediatricians), Nurses and administrative staff. Although we work in the Community and are based at St Catherine’s Health centre, we are part of the Paediatric Department at Arrowe Park Hospital.
The Community Paediatric Team in Wirral provide assessments,care and management and co-ordination of services for children who are referred by Health Visitors, School Nurses and GP’s. Children may be seen for a number of reasons, and in different settings such as local clinics and schools. We work on an area basis to enable children and young people to be seen in a local clinic setting. Your child/young person will be offered an appointment close to home.

The Community Paediatric Team considers the individual needs of each child or young person, and in order to do this we work closely with colleagues in other specialties (such as Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists). We also work closely with Education and Social Care services.

Children Suitable for Referral

• Those aged 0 – 15 years old
• Those aged 16 – 19 years old, may be referred if disabled and in special education

Conditions Treated

• Developmental delay
• Suspected disability
• Suspected Special Educational Needs (SEN) in addition to health/developmental needs
• Suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Suspected Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Exclusions

The following should not be referred

• Behaviour problems which are home-based only
• Specific learning difficulties only e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia (should be assessed through school)
• Continence/ Bowel management ( should be referred to the specific service for this)

We have a role in safeguarding and protecting the health and safety of vulnerable children including those at risk from harm and those children not living at home. We also provide a medical service for Looked after Children and long term foster care or if a child is being adopted.

We have a statutory role in contributing to Education, Health and Care plans for children and young people with additional needs.

The table below shows where children’s outpatient clinics are held across Wirral.

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