When you come into care, you should have a health check called an Initial Health Assessment within the first 28 days. This is to make sure you are healthy and get any help you need. In most parts of Hampshire, your social worker will ask your doctor (GP) to arrange this for you.
What is a health assessment?
You health assessment will:
identify any health issues you may have now
help prevent any health problems in the future
create a health plan to outline any health care and support you might need
let you know who will be responsible for making sure you receive that care and support
give you information on how to keep healthy
At your first assessment you will usually see a doctor at a surgery, but in some areas like Basingstoke you may go to the hospital for your health assessment. Your health assessment is not something you should worry about, lots of people have health checks, and part of your initial health assessment is to catch up on the checks you should of already have had if these were missed.
What to expect at my review health assessment?
For children over 5 years old, their health is reviewed once a year
Your review will be carried out by a nurse and they will respect your views, so if you are not comfortable, let them know
It may be possible to have your review at school or home if this makes you more comfortable
Your foster carer can attend if you like, you can also be seen alone, just let your foster carer or nurse know what works best for you
The nurse will weigh you and check your height
You can discuss lots of things in your assessment, not just your health such as; school, diet, sleep and exercise
Any recommendations made on your health plan will be reviewed by a nurse until they are achieved
How do I give my consent for a health assessment?
When you first come into care, you and your birth parents, or agency/adult with parental responsibility, will complete a consent form to say you are happy for your health information to be shared where appropriate. If you are under 16, your doctor, social worker, foster carers or family will help you to make decisions about your health care and will explain anything you don't understand.
Once you reach 16, you will be able to give consent yourself for your own surgical, medical or dental treatment and any associated procedures, investigations, anaesthesia or nursing care. This means that you should be treated as an adult - for example, if a signature on a consent form is required, you can sign for yourself.
Who will know about my health assessment? Is it confidential?
Anything you say to the doctor or nurse will be confidential. Sometimes we need to tell other people to make sure you are safe.
We will always talk to you about anything that needs to be discussed with others first so that you know.
What if I have an EHCP?
The review health assessments include sections on developmental progress and so cover some of the same topics as an Education Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment. If a child or young person needs both, then health departments are encouraged to either do the two assessments in the same appointment, or use the information from one to inform the other, rather than bringing you in for a second appointment.
What happens next?
You will have a health care plan completed after your health care review.
A health plan is a personalised document outlining your physical, emotional, and mental health needs and what you need to be healthy. You can have your health plan reviewed at any time so we can respond to any health changes you may have.
Staying fit and healthy is really important. If you're worried about your health, then making an appointment with your doctor is a good way to make sure everything is ok.
Your foster carer, PA or social worker will be able to book you an appointment with a GP (doctor) if you have any health worries or existing illnesses; If you're 16 or above you will be able to book your own appointments.
If you are staying in the area where you live, you will continue to go to the GP you are registered with for any routine appointments. If you are not registered with a GP, or have moved away from the area where you have lived before, you will be registered with a new GP and your health records will move as well so that your new GP knows about your health.
Have a look at Going to the Doctor page of your booklet for more information.
Staying fit and healthy is really important. If you're worried about your health, then making an appointment with your doctor is a good way to make sure everything is ok.
Your foster carer, PA or social worker will be able to book you an appointment with a GP (doctor) if you have any health worries or existing illnesses; If you're 16 or above you will be able to book your own appointments.
If you are staying in the area where you live, you will continue to go to the GP you are registered with for any routine appointments. If you are not registered with a GP, or have moved away from the area where you have lived before, you will be registered with a new GP and your health records will move as well so that your new GP knows about your health.
Have a look at Going to the Doctor page of your booklet for more information.
The government have gathered some information to support children and young people in care with with their health, wellbeing and disability needs.
Children's Commissioner IMO provides a place for care leavers to share their stories, achievements and experiences. You can get and give advice from other care experienced young people and find useful information and life hacks.
Children's Commissioner IMO provides a place for care leavers to share their stories, achievements and experiences. You can get and give advice from other care experienced young people and find useful information and life hacks.