Healthcare
Service commissioning
We work with the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) to provide services together.
An ICB is an NHS organisation that manages health services for people living in a local area.
The DCO supports the ICB to meet its legal duties for children and young people aged 0 to 25. The DCO helps make sure health services contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessments and follow the Special Educational Needs (SEND) Code of Practice.
By working together, support is planned to make sure there is consistency for children and families. Our teams identify and respond to needs as early as possible in a child’s life to keep them healthy.
Services for everyone (universal services)
Most health services are available to everyone and you do not need an assessment or referral to use them.
Many children and young people with SEND will have their needs met by services such as:
- GPs
- dentists
- opticians
- urgent care and walk-in centres
- health visitors
- school nurses.
Find your local health services.
Community health services
Some children and young people with a disability or complex health needs may need extra support from services.
These services are for children whose needs cannot be met by universal services. To access this support, your child will usually need to be referred by a professional. This could be their:
- GP
- school
- health visitor
- social worker.
Find community health services.
Medway Maritime Hospital and children’s accident and emergency
Medway Maritime Hospital have 2 wards that provide medical treatment for children. They also have a specialist baby care unit for premature babies, or babies who are sick and need specialist treatment.
Find services at Medway Maritime Hospital.
Annual learning disability health checks
Anyone over the age of 14 with a diagnosed learning disability can have an annual health check. These checks promote better health by spotting problems earlier.
Find out more about annual health checks.
NHS continuing care
Children and young people may receive a continuing care package. This package may be given if they have needs because of a disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by existing services alone.
We'll co-ordinate an assessment with the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Then, we may agree a package of continuing care to develop your child's EHCP.
Immunisation service
The Immunisation Service delivers the free national immunisation programme to children and young people aged 0 to 19. Vaccinations are given in schools and community clinics across Kent and Medway.
Vaccines are one of the most important ways to protect children against illness now and in the future. The NHS website explains the vaccines offered in the UK.
Visit the NHS website for more information about the recommended vaccinations.
Support for children with SEND
We understand that children with SEND or needle phobia may find vaccinations stressful.
We want every child to have the opportunity to receive their vaccinations in a way that feels comfortable. This includes:
- vaccination at your child’s school (you can attend if you wish)
- booking a community clinic appointment at a time and location that suits you
- in exceptional circumstances, a home visit may be possible
Find out how to book a vaccination with the Immunisation Service.