A community paediatrician is a doctor who works with children and young people aged 0 to 18. The service can also support those aged up to 19 if they're in a specialist setting.
They can support your child or young person if they:
- have a complex disability
- have a developmental delay
- are neurodiverse
- have learning difficulties associated with developmental disabilities
- have neurodevelopmental and metabolic problems associated with a developmental delay.
A community paediatrician ensures your child or young person can get the best possible health outcomes. They have statutory responsibilities to:
- child protection
- the health needs of looked after children
- adoption and fostering
- provide written medical advice for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Specifically, when an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan has been requested.
Joint working
A community paediatrician works with:
- parents and carers
- health visitors
- nurses
- therapists (for example, occupational therapists or speech and language therapists)
- mental health services
- social care professionals
- education professionals.
How to get support
To receive support from a community paediatrician you must be referred.
Referrals must be received from:
- general practitioners (GP)
- education settings
- social care professionals
- other health professionals.
Your child or young person must:
- live in Medway
- be registered with a Medway GP.
Find out more about registering with a GP.
Clinic appointments take place from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.