Community paediatricians
The Community Paediatric team specialise in child development and disability. We provide a diagnostic service for children presenting with features that indicate possible:
- global developmental delay
- physical disability
- autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
- fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)
- complex tic disorders
We do not provide the following:
- on-going behavioural support for Autism or ADHD
- second opinions
- investigate, diagnose or manage attachment difficulties
- investigate, diagnose or manage sleep problems as a lone presenting issue
- investigate mild learning difficulties or specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia
- see children with isolated speech and language delay
- assess children under the age of 6 years with behavioural needs.
- provide behavioural support for children presenting with challenging behaviour
The roles and responsibilities of GWH Community Paediatrics team
The team have a statutory responsibility which involves the following:
Clinical team responsibilities
- Undertake medicals for children coming into care and reviews for some children in care
- Undertake medicals for children and young people being adopted and meet with adoptive parents to review medical information
- Undertake SEND medicals on children and young people who are going through the EHCP assessment process.
Non-direct clinical responsibilities
- Screen and provide medical advice on adults looking to become foster parents
- Screen and provide medical advice on adults looking to become adoptive parents
- Provide advice to adoption panels.
The roles within the team
The team has a variety of roles that support the statutory work including:
- adoption medical advisor role
- designated doctor, children looked after
- named doctor for children looked after
- designated medical officer, SEND
- designated doctor for safeguarding
It is important to note that this work must be completed according to statutory guidelines and takes priority.
The team also carry out non-statutory work.
Neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC) pathway
There are three consultants that assess new patients who require a diagnostic assessment through the pathway.
Follow up patient appointments
These are offered by the consultants and can also involve the three Neurodevelopmental Nurse Specialists and one speciality doctor.
Useful resources
