Your child's first appointment with our service
Once your child’s referral has been accepted, you will receive an initial assessment appointment. You will either receive a letter in the post or you will be contacted directly to arrange this. Your child will usually be seen at either the Mary Sheridan Centre or Sunshine House. If appropriate, we will discuss the option to see your child at home, school or nursery.
How do I get an appointment?
You will need a referral from a health visitor or GP, or another health professional.
Cancelling or changing your appointment
You can change or cancel your child's appointment by contacting the therapy admin team on 0203 049 8181 or emailing them on gst-tr.therapyadminteam@nhs.net.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer your appointment to another patient.
Before your appointment
If your child is under the age of five, it is helpful to bring their red book. Please also bring any relevant medical reports that you may have about your child's condition.
If your child is over the age of three, we ask that you bring a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for them to make the assessment easier and more comfortable.
During your appointment
At your first appointment, a physiotherapist will ask about what problems your child is having, and how they are impacting their motor skills, function and participation. They will then look at the way your child moves by asking them to perform certain tasks. Your child's first appointment can take up to an hour.
As we are a teaching hospital, students and visitors may be observing the team. We will always ask your permissions for them to observe your appointment.
After your appointment
Should your child require ongoing intervention, the frequency and duration of treatment will be discussed following their initial assessment. Treatment will focus on teaching you how to best support your child to achieve their goals.
With your permission, your physiotherapist may complete an onward referral to other health and education professionals and/or liaise with other individuals in your child’s life (e.g. nursery or school).
Discharge policy
If you miss your appointment you will be sent a letter asking you to contact our therapy admin team to rebook. If no contact is made with the service, your child will be discharged and referrer and GP notified.