Health Services

This section provides information about the health professionals and services that support children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Health services are often involved in the initial identification and diagnosis of children and young people’s special educational needs or disabilities.  Health professionals such as your GP, health visitor and paediatrician will help you understand the needs of your child and make sure you get the right health support.

In this Health section you will also find services for autism, learning disabilities, mental health and wellbeing, mobility and equipment, sensory impairment, speech and communication, general health, health care and specialised palliative care.

If you are a parent or carer and you are unsure about what to do with your poorly child, use our Little Orange Book to find out whether you need to consult a pharmacist or health visitor, call your GP or phone NHS 111, or dial 999 in an emergency. 

Please see this video about the Little Orange Book below:

Health Services

This list provides a shortcut to various health services available. It makes clear how to access them, whether it is by referring yourself, by referring a child or young person or a referral from GP or other health practitioner: 

• Covid-19
• General Health
• Mental Health and Therapy
• Specialist Health Services
• Resources, Support and Equipment
• Learning Disabilities and Autism
• Healthy Living
• Drug and Alcohol support

 

Immunisation & Vaccines

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.  They not only protect your child but also protect you as a parent.  Vaccines stop diseases from spreading to people who cannot have vaccines.  Whilst some vaccines can cause mild side effects, these will not last long. Symptoms from a vaccine can make your child feel a bit unwell and possibly have a sore arm for a couple of days. 

For information on why vaccinations are safe and important please refer to Why vaccination is safe and important - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

For more information on vaccines that your child should get please refer to NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You can discuss your child's vaccine with your health visitor, midwife, GP or school nurse.  The following link answers some common questions around vaccines Immunisation - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk)

Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Information

Autism Hubs – North East Autism Society

There are Autism Hubs in Newcastle for parents/carers of children (0-18) who are waiting for an autism assessment, or have a diagnosis of autism.

The hubs run webinars and workshops on topics like sensory needs, sleep, toileting and behaviours that challenge. They offer peer support and also have 1:1 appointments you can book.

The sessions are held in the 4 locality hubs in Newcastle.

• Nunsmoor Centre - 1st Wed of the month
• Galafield Centre - 2nd Wed of the month
• Byker Sands - 3rd Wed of the month
• Fawdon Community Building - 4th Wed of the month

You can find more information, and the contact info to book a place at www.ne-as.org.uk/family-development-autism-hubs

 

Co-developed short films – GP learning disability registers and Education, Health & Care Plans

2 new co-developed short films have been added to the Learning Disability Matters for Families website. The first is around understanding the GP learning disability register, annual health checks and reasonable adjustments. The second is understanding what Education, Health & Care Plans are and the experiences from young people who have had them.

GP learning disability registers - https://youtu.be/cs7lqdJbp1A

Education Health & Care Plans – https://youtu.be/7s1I5bBurQ8

The Learning Disability Matters for Families website is aimed at families and parent carers across the North East North Cumbria to support, guide and signpost. www.learningdisabilitymatters.co.uk

 

Click here to read about the Getting Help services.

Click here to read an explainer about the Single Point of Access and CYPS.

Parenting support and New Parent Advice

Waiting for an assessment or treatment with a health service

In July 2023, we ran a survey to find out what support parents/carers had been offered whilst waiting for an assessment or treatment with a health service.  

The results of the survey have been reviewed and you can view the outcome report here.

 

If you have any concerns about your child's health, you should discuss these with your GP, midwife or health visitor. 

They will be able to advise you on all aspects of care for your child and alleviate any concerns you may have. 

The Newcastle 0-19 Service will be able to provide advice and support Health visiting and school health - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk)

The community hubs run drop in sessions throughout the year that parents can attend for advice and support. Please contact your local Community Family hub to enquire for dates and times for the next drop in sessions:

North

Fawdon Children’s Centre, Cairns Way, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SN

Telephone 0191 2115773  Wednesday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm

East 

Byker Sands Centre,  19 Raby Cross, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2FF

Telephone  0191 275 9636  (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm)

Inner West 

Cowgate Centre, Houghton Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3UT

Telephone 0191 2727824  (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 2.00pm).

OR

Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 8XS

Telephone: 0191 226 0754 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 4pm).

Outer West

Galafield Centre,  Newbiggin Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 1LZ

Telephone 0191 277 7800 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 4:30pm).

Easy Read Booklets for Support and Information

Click here to read the Easy Read version of the Little Book of Useful Stuff

Click here to read the Easy Read version of Top Tips to get young people to their Learning Disability Annual Health Check

Health Check Information

NHS England worked with SeeAbility, Contact and the National Deaf Children’s Society to produce a series of 3 guides for families on eye checks, hearing checks and dental checks for children with a learning disability or who are autistic. The guides explain why these health checks are important, how they are done, how to access them and how to prepare and support your child.

A Parents' Guide to oral health and dental care for children with a learning disability, autism or both

A Parents’ Guide to hearing care for children with a learning disability, autism or both

A Parents’ Guide to eye care for children with a learning disability, autism or both