Health Assessments for Looked After Children

Why do I need a health assessment?

All children who are under the care of social services (children in our care / looked-after children) must, by law, have a health assessment as soon as this care starts.

Following the first assessment, children over the age of 5 years will have further assessments every year and children younger than 5 years-of-age will have assessments every 6 months.

The assessments are done to make sure that you are fit, healthy, have no worries or concerns and are getting all the help you need to stay that way.

Who will do the assessment?

Your first appointment is with a paediatrician (a special doctor for young people). After this, your follow-up health assessments will be with a nurse that works in the community. This nurse will not be wearing a uniform.

Where will the health assessment be done?

Your first appointment with the doctor will be at a hospital or a clinic.

For your review appointments, you will be seen at home or at school.

What happens at my first health assessment?

At your first appointment, the doctor may:

• Listen to your heart
• Check your eyes and ears
• Take your blood pressure
• Record your weight and height.
• Ask you about when, or if you have seen a dentist.
• Check what immunisations / vaccinations you have had.
• Ask you if any worries or concerns.

What happens at my review assessments?

Your review health assessments with the nurse are an opportunity to make sure you are healthy, check your growth and to make sure that any actions from your previous assessment have been achieved. 

We talk about dental health, eating and drinking, fitness / exercise / hobbies, smoking, alcohol, drugs, sexual health and overall general health.

Health assessments are a chance for you to talk about aspects of your health or anything else you might be worried about. Feel free to ask any questions about your health or emotional wellbeing.

Emotional health and wellbeing is how we think and feel. Sometimes the way we think and feel effects how we cope with difficult things in life, and when we feel low or stressed it can be hard to cope with on your own.

What happens after the assessment?

If the assessment shows that you need to see someone else or need to have some treatment, this will be organised.

A summary and health plan is then written from the assessment. This will say what needs to be done, who by and when it needs to be completed. This will be sent to those involved in your care. 

If anything that is discussed needs to be shared with anybody, for example your GP or social worker, we will ask for your consent. The only time information would be shared without your consent is if the health professional is concerned that there is a risk to you or someone else.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]