Children's Physiotherapy Service
A community physiotherapy service for children and young people to improve independence and participation at home, school and within the wider community.
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Contents
Overview
A community physiotherapy service for children and young people (aged 0 to 18, or 19 if in full time specialist education), to improve independence and participation at home, school and within the wider community.
The service provides support for children and young people with:
- a general delay
- disordered movement
- a disability or illness
This may include:
- Neurological disorders, e.g. cerebral palsy
- Neuromuscular disorders, e.g. muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy
- Rheumatoid / juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Genetic disorders, e.g. neurofibromatosis
- Neurodevelopmental conditions, e.g. dyspraxia, delayed development
They also offer services for babies and young children with:
- limb problems (talipes, painful flat feet, hip dysplasia, genetic malformation)
- Neck problems (torticollis / plagiocephaly)
Support available
Physiotherapy services are available from:
- Palmer Hospital
- Local special schools (Bamburgh and Keelmans Way)
- The child's home
- Other educational settings (pre-school and school age)
The service has a fully accessible physiotherapy assessment room with disabled parking on site.
Interpreting and advocacy services can be arranged as needed. Staff are trained in basic use of Makaton in special school settings.
Physiotherapy staff may also be involved in the assessment to identifying SEND, and if a Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) is needed.
This can include providing written assessment advice for EHCPs and EHCP reviews.
Who can access the service
Children from birth to 18 years (or to 19 years if in full time specialist education).
The service also receive referrals for children who have had complex orthopaedic surgery, requiring more significant levels of post-surgery rehabilitation.
Referrals for children with common / benign musculoskeletal problems are not accepted.
How to access the service
A referral can be made from a:
- GPs
- consultant
- school nurses
- health visitor
- mental health practitioners
- school SENCo (in some cases)
Needs are discussed with parents / guardians and a plan is made for the most appropriate method of assessment.
This may involve an assessment as an outpatient, or at home.
Telephone and video consultations are also offered, as well as face to face assessments in a quiet, well equipped room.