How to refer to Dudley Childrens Occupational Therapy?
Referrals can be made by any healthcare professional, including Health Visitors, School Nurses, GP’s, Consultants and other therapists.
Referrals must be in writing and be discussed and agreed with the child/family. Parental/Carer consent must be gained before submitting the referral. They can be posted or emailed to the Children’s Occupational Therapy Department at the Sunflower Centre.
When to refer
- The child/young person is demonstrating difficulties performing 2 or more functional activities which are significantly impacting on their daily life (self-care, school, play, leisure)
- The child/young person is aged 0-16 years (or up to 19 years with associated learning difficulties attending Old Park or Pens Meadow Schools)
- For children/young people who are being re-referred there must be evidence of a new problem or a change in the previous identified functional problem.
When NOT to refer
- Sensory processing: we do not accept referrals for sensory assessments or profiles. We will only accept referrals relating to sensory processing where there is a significant impact on the child’s ability to engage in everyday activities. Sensory processing is one tool which can be used within occupational therapy and the trained therapist decides on the appropriate course of intervention based on the needs of the child.
- Learning delays: the child’s motor skills and ability to participate in day to day activities are broadly in line with their developmental/learning level.
- The child is not registered with a Dudley GP.
- Assessment reports: we do not accept referrals solely for producing a report. Children must have difficulties performing two or more daily activities for a referral to be accepted.
- Emotional, social and behavioural problems: access the Dudley ‘Happier Minds’ website which has a range of mental wellbeing advice for young people, parents/carers and school based staff in Dudley including anxiety, sleep, dealing with change and links to local and national mental health support: https://happierminds.org.uk/. Or visit the Black Country Childrens CAMHS Website at: www.blackcountrychildrens.nhs.uk/camhs
- Equipment and housing adaptations: refer to the Local Authority Occupational Therapist’s (telephone number 0300 555 0050 Option 3).
- Wheelchairs and specialist buggies: seek a referral to Wheelchair Service via GP or other health professional currently involved with the child.
- Helmets: seek a referral to Orthotics Service via GP or other health professional currently involved with the child.
How to make a referral
Professionals can complete our Occupational Therapy Referral Form (click here to access). Once completed, the referral form can be sent to our secure email address:
What happens after a referral has been made?
Once the referral has been made by a healthcare professional it will then be triaged. A clinical decision will be made based on the information provided as to whether the referral will be accepted or not. Following triage, an acknowledgement letter will be sent to the referrer and the parent/carer informing them of the outcome.
If it is felt that the needs can be met through the universal service offer or if the referral does not meet our referral criteria, these referrals will be rejected. The rejection letter will detail how the universal service can be accessed for further information.
When a referral is accepted, the child/young person will be placed on our waiting list and the number of anticipated weeks wait will be quoted on the referral outcome letter. Once the child/young person has reached the top of the waiting list an occupational therapist will be in contact to arrange an initial appointment.
At the initial appointment (which may take place in person or via telephone) the child and their parent/carer will have the opportunity to discuss the occupations they would like help or advice with. Following this a plan will be agreed where the child/young person will either receive a face to face assessment or advice and strategies will be provided.
Following the assessment a report will be provided which will be copied to the child and their parent/carer, GP, education setting and any other professionals involved. A plan will be agreed with the child and their parent/carer.
