Too ill for school?
The Royal College of GP have co-signed a letter from the Chief Medical Officer aimed at supporting GPs having conversations with families about school attendance and mild illness.
Information from the NHS is available for parents to support their decision making whether their child is too poorly to go to school or nursery.
Pain
People with Down Syndrome are at a risk of having health conditions and therefore experiencing pain is likely. Combined with potential communication barriers, understanding and explaining the source of the pain can be challenging. The Down’s Syndrome Association have created a resource; Pain and people who have Down’s syndrome (December 2024).
Swallowing Pills
Most medicines are in pill form, therefore swallowing pills is an important life skill for children to learn.
The paediatric team at University Hospital Dorset have launched ‘KidzMeds Pill School‘; a fun and innovative way of teaching children over 5 how to swallow tablets and capsules rather than using liquid medicines.
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital Trust has developed ‘Today we are learning how to swallow pills‘ sheet.
Constipation
NHS England have produced a toolkit for GP practices about constipation. As well as a poster, there is a factsheet– Let’s Talk about Constipation
Heart
Did you know about half of all children who have Down’s syndrome are born with a heart condition. Find out more from the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Flu Immunisation
Protecting Your Child against Flu– a 12 page information booklet from the NHS for parents and carers.
Visit to Hospital-Children
Going to Hospital– easy read guide using Widgit symbols for hospital admissions.
My Care Passport– a document all about the patient written by the patient or by someone who knows them well to aid the hospital staff during the patients stay. Passport includes information about any medication they take, their likes/dislikes, key professionals involved and any allergies. Photo of patient can be added to passport.
Communication/PECS Cards– useful picture cards to support the child to effectively communicate their needs and wishes with people during their hospital visit. Visuals include drinks, emotions, food, personal care and hospital staff roles.
Ted has a blood test– a social story by Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust explaining what happens when children go for a blood test using Ted the Teddy.
MRI Scanning for Kids– short animated video informing children what to expect before and after an MRI.
Reasonable adjustments in healthcare– 5 page factsheet with visuals from the Down’s Syndrome Association. ‘Reasonable adjustments’ can make a huge difference for people who have Down’s Syndrome who need to go to hospital or visit the GP.
Visit to GP or Hospital-Adults
What to do if you are poorly or worried – easy read 2 page document mentioning GP, 111, 999 and hospital admission.
Questions to ask when you go to the Doctor or to a Hospital– easy read 12 page guide.
Stay Well Dorset website has useful information in easy read form on flu and covid-19 vaccinations for people with learning disabilities.
Dorset County Council Virtual Tour– Dorset County Hospital has launched its virtual tour series ‘coming into hospital’ for people with a learning disability. It is hoped that the films will help reduce anxiety for people and help them prepare for any hospital visit, helping make their experience a little better.
If you are under 25 and trans (umbrella term for those who consider themselves transgender, non binary, no gender or gender questioning), know your rights at your GP surgery.
NHS Gender Dysphoria Clinics (GDCs)
Trans and non-binary people’s general health needs are the same as anyone else’s but trans people may have specific health needs in relation to gender dysphoria. Your particular needs may be best addressed by transgender health services offered by NHS gender dysphoria clinics (GDCs). A GP or another health professional can refer you directly to one of the GDCs. You don’t need an assessment by a mental health service first.
Devon Partnership NHS Trust West of England is the Specialist Gender Dysphoria Clinic for the Southwest, based at:
The Laurels
11-15 Dix’s Field
Exeter
EX1 1QA
Phone: 01392 677 077
Email: dpn-tr.thelaurels@nhs.net
The Laurels’ website has information about the types of services on offer and the help available during transition.
Children and young people- should be referred to the National Referral Support Service for the NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Service. These NHS services specialise in helping young people with gender identity issues. They take referrals from anywhere in England.