My Health

What is a ‘Specialist Nurse’ for Children Looked After’?

The specialist nurses are part of a health team who organise health assessments for children and young people who are looked after. They can also offer support and advice about your health.

You can contact your nurse Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9-5pm, by emailing: CiCBerkshireEast@berkshire.nhs.uk

What is a health assessment?

A health assessment is a regular check-up. You will be offered a health assessment once a year. Children under 5 years old will be offered two assessments a year.

When you become looked after you will be offered a health assessment, usually within the first month.

You will be seen by a Doctor for your first assessment who will ask a few questions about your health and any concerns or questions you may have. They may also ask your carer about your health as well.

He or she will:

• Check your height and weight
• Ask about your hearing and vision
• Ask about your visits to the dentist
• Ask if you have any concerns about your health or the way you are feeling.

Your review health assessment will take place a year later. You can let the nurse who sees you know where you would like to be seen e.g. in school, at your placement or at a health centre.

They will talk about your health and how you are getting on generally.

Will information I share with health professionals be shared?

You will be asked by health professionals to see if you consent for your health information to be shared; this could be with your social worker, GP, carer or other health professionals. You can decline and this will be respected but the health professional must be sure you understand the information you have been given. The only time information would be shared without consent is if there is a risk of harm to you or other people.

How often will I see my dentist?

You should visit a dentist every six months for a regular dental check-up.

Your carer or social worker will arrange for you to see the dentist.

How often will I need to see an optician?

Your carer will arrange for you to see the optician once a year.

You should have your eyes tested any time that you think you are unable to see as well as you need to.

What if I am worried about my emotional or mental health?

Emotional and mental health is about the way we think and feel, and the ability to cope with difficult things in life. Sometimes when we feel low or stressed it can be difficult to get back on track.

In these times talking to someone can really help such as:

• your carer
• a trusted adult
• your social worker
• your nurse for Children Looked After

If you need further services then they can help you with accessing them.

You can also find support from your GP or by calling the NHS helpline 111 or online at www.nhs.uk