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Health rights for SEND children and young people

The NHS Constitution sets out the rights you have as a patient of NHS services. You should be involved in decisions by all healthcare staff. They must treat you with kindness, dignity, and respect. You have the right to complain if things don’t go as you expect.

Learn more about your rights using a NHS service.

Reasonable adjustments

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can access most health services in Kent.

Under the Equality Act 2010, disabled people have the right to reasonable adjustments when using public services. These adjustments can remove barriers to getting health care. This can include:

  • easy read documents
  • longer appointments
  • clearer signs.

For more information about how services support you:

Treat me well

Adjustments can be simple changes made by a GP, nurse, dentist, or optician, or sometimes multiple people will need to work together. Making these changes means removing barriers and providing you with extra care and support.

Read the top 10 reasonable adjustments you can make when visiting the a health professional.

Mental Capacity Act

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) gives people with learning disabilities the right to make their own decisions.

People with learning disabilities might need information presented in a way they understand (for example, easy-to-read information).

Whenever someone can't make a decision because it's too big or complicated, their support system has to.

To find out more about the Mental Capacity Act:

Become a deputy under the MCA

When someone lacks mental capacity, you can be their deputy. This means they can't make decisions for themselves at the certain time. However, they can still make decisions when they're able.

As a deputy, you’ll be authorised by the Court of Protection to make decisions on their behalf.

Find out more about becoming a deputy.

Concerns or complaints about using NHS services

You can get help if you're concerned about the service you're getting.

Your local GP

Your local GP can help you if you have concerns about your child's health, wellbeing, and development. They can also recommend other health services, social care, or community-based support if needed.

Get Your Rights

Visit the Get Your Rights website to watch videos and find more information about your healthcare, or download an easy read guide to the Equality Act.

PALS

PALS offers confidential advice, support and information for patients, families and their carers.

PALS support you with:

  • health related questions
  • any concerns or problems when using the NHS
  • the NHS complaints procedure
  • support groups outside of the NHS.

For more information about your local PALS service visit the following websites:

Healthwatch UK

Healthwatch UK are there to listen to your voice and to help you navigate the health and social care system.

For more information:

Young Minds

Visit the Young Minds website to read their  guide to support, including a guide to child and adolescent mental health services so you know what to expect when accessing this service.

Make a complaint about an NHS service

If you're still unhappy with the NHS service, we advise that you make a complaint. Your GP, dentist, hospital, or pharmacist should be the first to hear your complaint.

Or, complain to the clinical commissioning group (CCG).