Cambridgeshire Children in Care Health Service

Responsibility

We ensure this assessment is provided for Cambridgeshire children placed in and out of Cambridgeshire and other authorities’ children placed in Cambridgeshire.

Consent

Before the assessment, consent is given by parent/s if this a voluntary placement. If not, consent is given by the Local Authority. Social Workers will ask consent of children aged 11 to 17 (inclusive) as they have a right to refuse the assessment and who the information is shared with (any concerning information is always shared).

Information

Information is provided by the Local Authority and sought from medical records and a discussion with children and those that provide care for them.

The outcome

A questionnaire is completed and a Health Action Plan created. This provides support for the Local Authority and carers to meet the children's needs and can include signposting and referrals. 

When will it happen? Within 20 working days of becoming a Child in Care. 

Who will you see? You will see a paediatrician.

Where will it happen? In a clinic at either:

• The Oak Tree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon, PE29 7HN
• The Peacock Centre, Brookfield's Hospital, 351 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3UG

What will happen? A discussion and an optional non-invasive physical examination including height and weight. 

When will it happen? Every 6 months for those under 5 and every year for those aged 5 to 17.

Who will you see? You will see a nurse.

Where will it happen? At your home.

What will happen? A discussion and an optional non-invasive physical examination including height and weight. 

When will it happen? When a child turns 17. It is similar to a review health assessment but the report will include advice and sign posting. This is available to you from your GP whenever you may wish to access it.

Who will you see? You will see a nurse.

Where will it happen? At your home.

What will happen? A discussion and an optional non-invasive physical examination including height and weight. 

You will be offered an initial health assessment and a review health assessment as explained above with an interpreter if you need one. 

At your initial health assessment you will be offered a referral for blood born virus and tuberculosis screening as these diseases are more common in some other countries. You will also be offered specialist support from the Refugee Council. 

• Our administrators arrange the initial health assessment. Administrators are very skilled NHS professionals that provide all the organisational support for the clinical teams. They are also the friendly voices at the other end of the phone when contacting the service.
• Our paediatricians provide the initial health assessment. Paediatricians have skills and experience in particular subjects around children and young people's health. They complete 'Initial Health Assessments' and adoption medical reports.
• Our nurses arrange and provide the health assessment. Specialist nurses are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness. They complete 'Review Health Assessments'

We work in the community with clinics in Huntingdon and Cambridge:

• Oak Tree Centre, 1 Oak Drive, Huntingdon, PE29 7HN
• The Peacock Centre, Brookfield’s Hospital, 351 Mill Rd, Cambridge CB1 3UG