Paediatric Community Occupational Therapy

Paediatric Community Occupational Therapy

This is for children (age 0-18 years if in full time education) presenting with atypical development and disability residing in the RCHT catchment area.

Children living at home addresses with the following postcodes should be referred to Plymouth via Emma Meets, Therapies Lead, Plymouth CDC, Scott Business Park, Beacon Park Road, PLYMOUTH PLS 7PQ: EX22, EX23, PL10 to PL18.  However, if the registered GP practice falls outside these areas, despite the child’s address, then refer to Cornwall services.

Children will not be routinely monitored based only on diagnosis or parental concern

How to refer:

Refer direct to Occupational Therapy Team (RCHT) or via this form

We accept referrals meeting criteria (see below) from a health or education professional who knows the child or young person. If you would like to refer a child, please email: jane.jackson29@nhs.net

All referrals must include:

Name; Date of birth (must be under the age of 18); NHS number; indication that parental consent for the referral has been obtained; GP details (patient must be registered with a GP in Cornwall).

Please note: if any of the above information is missing, the referral will be rejected without consideration by the clinical team.

Referral Criteria:

All referrals should provide specific and detailed information demonstrating the children’s functional difficulties. The reason for referral should relate to motor and/or sensory difficulties which are significantly affecting the child’s performance in activities of daily living.

• Self care activities including eating and dressing
• School work activities including handwriting, using tools and equipment
• Leisure activities including manipulation of play equipment, riding a bike or scooter

Exclusion Criteria:  

The following Children and Young people should not be referred. Signposting and links are included where able. Children will not be routinely monitored based only on diagnosis or parental concern. 

• When a child is managing activities of daily living regardless of their diagnosis and difficulties.
   
• Any child (with or without a diagnosis) who does not have a demonstrated developmental delay and/or functional deficit. 
   
• Referrals for children and young people with generalised developmental delay will only be accepted if their physical and sensory needs are significantly impacting on their daily living activities. 
   
• Children and young people who present with primary emotional and behavioural difficulties not related to any underlying motor dysfunction.
   
• Children who present with behavioural problems related to parenting skills and stress with family dynamics.

These referrals should be signposted to the: Early Help Hub

• Environmental Assessments and Adaptations (Home / School)  

These assessments are the remit of the Local Authority Occupational Therapist team. These referrals should be directed to the Disabled Children and Therapy Service.
 

• Wheelchair assessment/provision should be discussed directly with the child’s own OT or physiotherapist. Or contact Wheelchair Service: http://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/wheelchair-service/
  
  
• Splint renewal or other orthotics should be discussed directly with the child’s own OT or physiotherapist rather an using the referral system.

• Sensory Integration Therapy. This is not commissioned within the NHS in Cornwall. Private practitioners may be found via web search using the terms ‘Children’s Occupational Therapist Cornwall’ will provide information. Parents should check that the OT is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The Royal College of Occupational Therapists also provides information regarding independent Practitioners.

Date:                    March 2022

Review Date:       March 2023

Contributors:       Dr Jo Lewis, Consultant Community Paediatrician, RCHT

                 Dr S Burns, RMS GP Lead Paediatrics

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