Any health care or social care professional can refer a child and family to a children’s hospice if they feel that they are eligible for care. The family or relatives can self refer (with consent from the parent or young person). Referrals from friends will also be considered.

Upon receipt of the referral and with the family’s permission, the children’s hospice will contact the child’s GP, hospital & Community Paediatrician and other individuals and agencies involved in the child / young person’s care to obtain further details about the nature of the child’s condition and diagnosis. A member of the nursing team will then contact the family to arrange an assessment visit.
 

For a flow chart of our referral procedure click here
To download a copy of our referral form click here

If we feel we are able to offer support to the child and family, a detailed plan for the care of the child will be agreed with parents, based on the child’s own special needs and how they are cared for at home. The team works closely with the parents and with other colleagues who are involved with the child, either in a hospital or in the community setting. Most hospice visits and specialist respite stays will be planned well in advance and at each visit the team will take time to review the child’s needs, so that care is always up to date.