Designated Medical Officer and Designated Clinical Officer

Designated Medical Officer and Designated Clinical Officer

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The Children and Families Act 2012 was designed to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) must provide a Designated Medical Officer or Designated Clinical Officer (DCO). In Newcastle we have both a DMO and DCO.
The DMO/DCO play a key part in implementing the SEND reforms. They support joined up working between health services, local authorities, parent participation forums, schools and colleges.
They provide the point of contact for health colleagues, local authorities, schools and colleges seeking health advice on children and young people who may have SEN or disabilities.
To contact the DMO and DCO email:  nencicb-ng.childrenandfamiliesncl@nhs.net

Meet Mark Anderson the DMO

Mark is a Consultant Paediatrician based at the Great North Children's Hospital, where he is also a clinical director. He provides 1 day a week supporting NewcastleGateshead CCG and Newcastle Council. He oversees strategic health advice and provision for children and young people with SEND. He also provides health guidance for all children and young people in educational settings.

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Meet Jenny Ellis the DCO

Jenny is a registered children's nurse and qualified teacher. She supports NewcastleGateshead CCG and Newcastle Council providing strategic and operational support. This is across a wide variety of health issues affecting children and young people with SEND.

Mark and Jenny work closely together

  • To listen to children and young people and their families and professionals. They monitor and improve the health service provision for children and young people with SEND. Their aim is to enable them to achieve their full potential

  • To inform the joint commissioning agenda in relation to healthcare provision. They ensure that the voice and experience of children and young people with SEND, and their families, are heard. They ensure that the services provided are appropriate for their needs

  • To provide a single point of contact for children, young people, families and professionals seeking information about all aspects of health provision in Education Health and Care Plans.

To contact the DMO and DCO email:  nencicb-ng.childrenandfamiliesncl@nhs.net

The role of the DMO The role of the DCO
  • Supporting the DCO with SEND strategic work streams
  • Advice to local authority on specific questions related to health conditions and interventions
  • Advice on individual cases as requested by schools/local authority
  • Monitor and audit provision of health information related to SEND and suggest improvements where applicable.
  • Establish Strategic Outcomes.
  • Serve at CCG Board level advising on SEND matters
  • Co – ordination of the EHCP process
  • Oversight of Local Offer health information
  • Oversight from a health perspective of education, health and care panels to discuss which children go forward for assessments and then if required have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
  • Supporting health professionals to contribute to the education, health and care assessment process
  • Working with others in the local area to improve the quality of education, health and care plans
  • Supporting the SEN team at the local authority with questions and queries.
  • Promoting links between the SEN team, educational professionals, social care and health services
  • Supporting the commissioners and senior leadership team with regards meeting and assuring the SEND health requirements
  • Working alongside commissioners and stakeholders including children and young people, parents and carers to identify and raise any commissioning gaps some of which may require joint commissioning to resolve
  • Ensuring we can evidence a good local offer of health services and clear health journeys for those age 0-25 with SEND

 

 

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