Bedfordshire and Luton Children in Care Health Service

An initial health assessment is the first health check-up when a child or young person becomes a child in care.

When will it happen? We aim to see the child or young person within 20 working days of becoming a Child in Care, dependant on when we receive the referral from the local authority. 

Who will you see? You will see a paediatrician.

Where will it happen? In a clinic at either:

• Edwin Lobo Child Development Centre, Redgrave Gardens, Luton, LU3 3QN
• Child Development Centre, Hill Rise, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7EB
• Union Street Clinic, Union Street, Bedford, MK40 2SF

What will happen? A health discussion and an optional non-invasive physical examination including height and weight. 

Read more about the initial health assessment

When will it happen? The child or young person's social worker will refer into the service every 6 months for those under 5 and every year for those aged 5 to 18.

Who will you see? You will see a specialist nurse.

Where will it happen? The assessment will happen at home. If the child or young person wishes to be seen at school, college, or in a clinic, we can arrange this. 

What will happen? A health discussion and height and weight measurements. 

Transition to adult services - From the age of 14, we will start to have conversations about independence skills, aspirations, and moving on from children to adult services.

Read more about the review health assessment

Responsibility

We ensure health assessments are completed for all children referred to us by Luton Borough Council, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. For some children placed outside of these counties they may be seen by a different service but it is our responsibility to organise this.  

Information

We gather information by speaking to child or young person. We will discuss with the person(s) caring for them. We are also given information by the referring local authority and we can review some medical records.

The outcome

A report is completed and a health care plan created. This provides support for the Local Authority and carers to meet the children's needs and can include signposting and referrals. 

The completed report and care plan adds an important part to the looked after child review completed by the local authority.

Once the young person becomes 18 years old, we will complete their health passport containing an overview of their health and key information. This will then be sent to the young person. We send this confidentially and securely by email but we can make alternative arrangements if required. The health passport will also be saved in the young person's health records and can be accessed via the GP.

An interpreter will be offered to the child or young person, if required for the initial and review health assessment.

A referral for blood borne virus and tuberculosis screening may be required.

Read more about blood borne virus screening

Initial and review health assessment referrals for children living in Bedfordshire and Luton but are placed by an out of area local authority, are completed and managed by KPI Health.

Read more about how to refer.

• Our administrators arrange all initial and review health assessment appointments. Administrators are very skilled NHS professionals that provide all the organisational support for the clinical teams. They are also the friendly voices at the other end of the phone when contacting the service.
• Our paediatricians provide the initial health assessment. Paediatricians have skills and experience in particular subjects around children and young people's health.
• Our nurses complete all review health assessments and health passports. They can also provide specialist advice and signposting to local services. Our team of specialist nurses are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness.

We work within the community across Bedfordshire, Luton and some surrounding areas of the Bedfordshire border.