What is a Community Paediatrician?

What do Community Paediatricians Mean to Their Patients?

CONTENT TBC

What Do Community Paediatricians Do?

There are many several aspects to work in community paediatrics and we are fortunate to work with a variety of children and young people. Community paediatricians may work in the following areas:

• Paediatric Neurodisability
  Community paediatricians with children and young people with developmental problems and disabilities resulting from both congenital or acquired long-term conditions. This includes children with motor disorders (e.g. spinal cord problems, neuromuscular problems, cerebral palsy), learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. autism, ADHD), hearing or visual problems and genetic conditions. (taken from BACD website).

• Safeguarding
  Community paediatricians work with children and young people who are being abused or who are at risk of being abused. They are extensively trained in recognising child maltreatment and play a central role in safeguarding processes such as attending strategy meetings and case conferences and conducting Child Protection Medical Assessments. Community paediatricians may also perform Child Sexual Abuse Assessments.

• Adoption and Fostering
  Community paediatricians play a vital role in supporting ‘care experienced’ children and those who are adopted. They perform several statutory roles including conducting Initial Health Assessments and Adoption Medical Assessments. They may be involved in meeting prospective adopters and taking part in adoption panels.

• Public Health
  Community paediatricians are focused on the health and wellbeing of children in their area. They integrate public health principles within clinical practice, addressing health needs at both individual and population levels.

• Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDIC)
  A community paediatrician may take on the role of a SUDIC doctor. This role is to investigate sudden and unexpected deaths in children, aiming to understand the cause of death and provide support to families. They are responsible for preparing a report for the coroner. The information gathered is used to improve child safety and prevent future unexpected deaths.

• Palliative Care
  Community paediatricians may take on a palliative care role. They specialise in providing holistic care to children with life-limiting conditions and life-threatening illnesses. They work holistically looking at all the different aspects of that child’s life including their physical, emotional, social and spiritual elements. (from RCPCH website)

Which Professionals do Community Paediatricians Work With?

Community paediatricians play a key role in coordinating patient care and are fortunate to work with a wide variety of professionals across different agencies. They work with colleagues across education, the local authority and the police. They also work with several health professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthotics, speech and language therapists, audiologists, palliative care nurses and more! 

Where do Community Paediatricians Work?

Community paediatricians may be hospital-based or work in health centres in the community. They often hold clinics in special schools and may attend meetings in education or local authority settings.