Community Paediatric Services

We run a variety of different specialist clinics providing child-centred assessment and management of developmental problems and social communication difficulties. We also provide statutory assessments for Child Protection, Looked After Children and EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan).  

In Newham community paediatricians work as part of the Specialist Children and Young People's Services (SCYPS) team and are based at West Ham Lane Health Centre. We work closely with other SCYPS team members including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and nursing. We also work jointly with Hospital based paediatricians, Newham child mental health services, education and social care.

If you think your child would benefit from an appointment with a Community Paediatrician then you should speak to your doctor (GP), school nurse, health visitor, social worker or child’s teacher. They can refer you.

Community Paediatricians specialise in child development, disability and social paediatrics and work as part of the wider SCYPS multidisciplinary team.

We accept professional referrals from Health, Education and Social Care colleagues. We do not accept direct referrals from parents/carers.

To be referred to be seen by a Community Paediatrician, the child/young person must be:

• Under 19 years of age
• Registered with a Newham GP

We accept referrals for the following conditions:

• Suspected Autism from the age of 2 years -12.5 years

Before referral the possibility of autism must be discussed with the parent/carer by the referrer and clearly documented in the referral. 

• Delay/disorder in 2 or more developmental domains
• Any developmental regression – loss of developmental skills
• Diagnosed or suspected motor and movement disorders - such as Cerebral Palsy
• Congenital condition (suspected or diagnosed) associated with developmental delay - e.g. Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Neurofibromatosis
• Significant learning disability in children of school age where an underlying inherited/medical condition is suspected as the cause.
• Chronic medical conditions associated with long-term neuro-disability – such as refractory epilepsy
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
• Nocturnal enuresis/bedwetting in children over 5 years.

Download Referral Form for Community Paediatric Services

Please return the completed referral form and any relevant reports to:

Intake Team
West Ham Lane Health Centre
84 West Ham Lane
Stratford
London
E15 4PT

Referrals can be emailed to newhamcds@nhs.net

ASD over 12.5yrs

• Young people with suspected Autism over 12.5 years should be referred to the Child and Family Consultation Service at Newham Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) .    https://camhs.elft.nhs.uk/ 

Isolated Developmental Delay

Children with delay in one area of development should be referred to the relevant therapist  – e.g  speech delay is seen by speech and language therapy.  

Children with normal development but at risk of development delay due to prematurity or cerebral insult at birth.

These children should be referred to physio/OT triage, and will then be seen in Let's Start, MDT therapy group.

Medical conditions

Children with a medical condition that needs investigation and treatment should be referred to Hospital Paediatrics.  

This would include the following:  

• Epilepsy or possible seizures
• Faltering growth/ failure to thrive
• Reflux, Constipation, Eczema, Asthma, Headache, UTI etc

Behavioural  issues

• For isolated behavioural difficulties/ sleep problems under 5 years - refer  to the health visitor .     Healthvisiting@newham.gov.uk
• For isolated behaviour problems in school age children/ young people familes can self refer to Newham parenting courses
• Newham Families Advice and Support | Being A Parent Courses
• Significant behavioural difficulties as well as Depression, Anxiety or other mental health issues you should refer to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). https://camhs.elft.nhs.uk/
• ADHD you should refer to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) https://camhs.elft.nhs.uk/
• Sleep difficulties - we recommend that a self or professional referral is made to the SCOPE sleep programme.   https://www.scope.org.uk/family-services/sleep-right/

Conditions assessed and supported in educational settings by class teachers and school SENCO

1. Isolated Learning difficulties, general learning disability or specific learning disability (such as Dyslexia)
2. “Autism follow-up” – Long term support for children with Autism can be accessed through the school setting in the first instance including speech therapy services within the school.  In keeping with many Autism services nationally, we offer an Autism Diagnostic Service. There is no routine medical follow up required for children with a diagnosis of Autism alone.

• Developmental Advisory Clinic – This clinic assesses children when there are concern about any areas of their development.
• Neuro-disability Clinic – This clinic sees children with more complex neuro-developmental problems. It is involved in Assessment, diagnosis and long term coordination of their care.
• Motor Disorder Clinic –For children with cerebral palsy and other muscle problems.
• Autism Spectrum disorder clinic – for assessment of social communication difficulties and diagnosis of autism in children aged 2-12 years. Local Offer Autism page
• Looked After Children Clinic this provides Health Assessments to children of all ages including unaccompanied asylum seeking young people. More information here
• https://www.elft.nhs.uk/SCYPS/Our-Services/Looked-After-Children
• Child Protection Medical Assessments at the request of social care.
• Education Health Care Plan clinic – this provides Medical assessment to contribute towards the EHCP assessments and final plan.
• Enuresis clinic – Paediatricians work jointly with community Continence Nurse to provide support with urinary incontinence.
• School medical at John F Kennedy School – Reviewing the medical problems of complex children at this special school.