Specialist health services
Specialist health services can often be called complex support.
To get support from specialist services, your child or young person’s disability must:
- be permanent or substantial
- impact their ability to do daily activities
- impact their family’s wellbeing.
The specialist service will support you if you cannot provide all the care your child needs. This may be related to:
- your child's safeguarding needs
- complex healthcare needs
- continence issues
- life threatening conditions
- nutrition and diet
- podiatry issues
- profound disabilities.
Your child or young person's GP, dentist, child’s school, health visitor, school nurse or social worker can refer them directly.
For general complex needs support, visit the NHS website.
Children and Young People's Therapy Services
From 0 to 19 years of age, Children and Young People's Therapy Services offers therapy and health services to children and young people struggling with:
- talking and communicating
- eating, drinking or swallowing
- mobility and posture
- physical skills such as balance and coordination
- motor (movement) skills
- everyday activities (self-care such as getting dressed, using the toilet, preparing and eating meals).
Find out more about the Children and Young People's Therapy Services.
Community Learning Disability Team
The Community Learning Disability Team supports children with developmental delays and learning disabilities.
Their focus is to provide care focused on individuals with learning disabilities. They will support you and your family and help your child access mainstream services.
Learn more about the Community Learning Disability Team.
The Hop from the Community Learning Disability Team also offers support for young people with a learning disability, or anyone who is caring for an adult with a learning disability.
Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service
Kent and Medway Communication and Assistive Technology Service (KMCATS) works with schools and families. They provide communication and assistive technology solutions that allow children and young people to develop independence.
Find out how KMCATS can support your child or young person.
Looked after Children Nursing Service
The Looked After Children Nursing Service are specialist nurses who support looked after children (LAC). They also help caregivers, and those leaving care.
They provide health assessments and care plans and can also refer to other services to meet LACs' health needs.
Learn more about the Looked after Children Nursing Service.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Service
The NHS Continuing Healthcare Service provides extra health care to children and young people (0 to 18). It might be because of a disability, accident or illness that can't be met by everyday or specialist services.
You can discuss a referral with your healthcare professional or GP.