All You Need to Know

• Who we provide services for

  We provide health services for:

  • Children and young people aged 5 to 18 who are in care for more than 24 hours
  • Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC)
  • Children under 5, in partnership with the Healthy Child Pathway (Cambridge Community Services)

  East Norfolk Area
  Children aged 5+ in East Norfolk will be supported by the East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH) Looked After Children Health Service.

• Health assessments

  Initial health assessments (IHA)

  For children aged 0 to 18

  • Completed within 20 working days after a child becomes looked after
  • Conducted by an LAC doctor or paediatrician

  Locations: Norwich Community Hospital Children’s Centre; St James Clinic, King’s Lynn; Swaffham Hospital 

  Review health assessments (RHA)

  For children aged 5 to 18. Review health assessments are a legal statutory requirement for children and young people who are in care. These assessments help ensure their health needs are identified and supported, and we encourage carers and young people to prioritise attending.

  • Conducted annually by a specialist nurse.
  • Appointment options: Home or placement 
  • Clinics in Norwich, Swaffham, Dereham, King's Lynn, North Walsham
  • Virtual appointments available
  • Attendees can include a carer, social worker, or trusted adult, or the young person can attend alone

• What an assessment includes

  • Health recommendations
  • Guidance for carers, GPs, social workers
  • Health promotion and signposting

  View an easy read leaflet about the service

• What to expect

  You will receive a nurse-led health appointment, which will last about 1 hour.

  The nurse will ask about:

  Physical health - conditions, medications, allergies, hearing, dental and eye health (bring details of previous visits to the dentist or optician), immunisations, sleep, toileting, eating, physical activity, height and weight check

  Education and development - school support (EHCP/PEP), learning needs and aspirations, communication and friendships, motor skills, focus and attention

  Emotional health - how you are feeling, strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), interests, support systems, family time

  Lifestyle choices - smoking, vaping, alcohol, drug use, personal safety, independence, self-care, cultural and religious background

• Will I be seen alone?

  Yes, if you want to. You can also choose to have your carer, support worker or social worker with you. It’s your choice.

• Confidentiality

  You can speak to the doctor or nurse in confidence. We’ll only share information with your social worker or carer if you agree, or if we’re worried about your safety or someone else’s. Your privacy will be respected.

• Your voice matters

  When you’re 17, you’ll have your final health assessment. This is important and can help you prepare for the future. This is your health appointment. It’s important that your voice is heard.

• Onward referrals

  If needed, we can refer to:

  • Mental health services
  • Occupational therapy
  • GP or dental services
  • Hearing and vision clinics

  You will also receive health advice and links to helpful services.

• Our locations

  • Norwich Community Hospital - Children’s Centre
  • St James Children’s Centre, King’s Lynn
  • Community clinics in Swaffham, Dereham, North Walsham and more