How do I get an appointment?
Our service is open to families who live in Lambeth or Southwark or registered with a Lambeth or Southwark GP. We also see children who attend schools in Lambeth or Southwark.
If you are concerned about your child and feel that he/she may require services provided by us, you can access our service in the following ways:
- talk to your health visitor, other health professional or your child’s nursery teacher or school teacher - they can all make a referral for you
- get a referral from your GP, social services or the education authority
- refer your child yourself if he/she has previously attended our service.
Cancelling or changing your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment for any reason, please contact us using the relevant numbers on the right as soon as possible. We will try to arrange a more suitable appointment time for you.
Please note if you do not attend and do not let us know, we may assume you no longer require our service and you will be discharged.
Before your appointment
Please bring:
- your child's red book (personal child health record)
- any forms that have been sent to you
- any recent relevant reports, for example from the educational psychologist, school, speech and language therapist.
Language support
An interpreting service is available for all appointments. Please let us know if you need an interpreter and what language would be best.
If you need to speak to someone before coming to your appointment, language line can be used to ensure that language is not a barrier to communication. You can access the language support service on 020 7188 8815 or email languagesupport@gstt.nhs.uk.
What to expect at your appointment
Your child will be seen by one of our doctors.
The length of the appointment will vary, and depends on the reason we need to see your child. You are expected to attend the appointment with your child.
Initial assessments usually include a discussion about your concerns and how your child is managing at home, nursery or school. We will ask for detailed information regarding factors that affect your child’s health and development, for example your child’s birth and social situation, family structure and housing. Depending on the type of clinic, this may be followed by a physical examination.
After your appointment
There are a number of possible outcomes at the end of your first appointment:
- you may be given some advice and strategies to help your child and no further reviews may be needed, unless there is any concern in the future
- further assessment sessions may be required to gain a clearer understanding of your child’s strengths and needs
- your child may be referred to another professional for further assessment, for example a speech and language therapist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist or to another team of professionals.
Your GP and other health professionals will be informed that your child has attended our services, and with your consent, we will also inform your child’s school, nursery or other professionals involved in your child's care.