COVID-19 Advice
We are very aware how hard all services are working to support staff and vulnerable children, young people and families. We wanted to update you about the ongoing service that Islington additional needs and disability services are providing during this time.
As you know, IANDS is part of Whittington Health Hospital Trust. As such, staff may be requested to move to other service areas within the wider Trust to provide support for other essential services as this pandemic develops.
Staff are working from home where they can do so, to reduce the risk of becoming unwell themselves and will be available to support the hospital as required.
We will continue to operate our essential service areas at all times, and we have set up a duty system to answer calls and queries from families.
We will also where possible continue to offer direct support for children and young people with complex needs and in particular those with feeding difficulties or physical disabilities or equipment issues
Therapy
All open cases to IANDS have been reviewed and rated with regards to risk and priority and some are continuing on a case by case basis, either on the phone or face to face as clinically appropriate. We are also looking at setting videoconferencing with some families and groups.
All open cases to IANDS have been reviewed and rated with regards to risk and priority and some are continuing on a case by case basis, either on the phone or face to face as clinically appropriate. We are also looking at setting videoconferencing with some families and groups.
Other work (including work with families and consultation work with multi-agency staff) will continue via telephone/video where appropriate. Teams are communicating directly with the agencies they work with (schools/early years settings/local authority teams) to prioritise their work and ensure that they are meeting the need of families and staff as far as possible.
Special Schools and Children with an EHCP
We are working with our special schools and the SEN department to look at what support we will be able to give to schools which remain open.
Our therapy and nursing service will also be available to provide advice and support to families with children with complex needs who are at home and will help co-ordinate any additional care needs which may be required if parents or carers are sick and also support to ensure that you have access to resources both practical such as medicines and pads but also educational through the schools learning portal.
We are working with our special schools and the SEN department to look at what support we will be able to give to schools which remain open.
Our therapy and nursing service will also be available to provide advice and support to families with children with complex needs who are at home and will help co-ordinate any additional care needs which may be required if parents or carers are sick and also support to ensure that you have access to resources both practical such as medicines and pads but also educational through the schools learning portal.
Coming to the Emergency Department during COVID-19 if you have specific needs- A Guide for Parent and Children
We were contacted by a parent of a child who has specific needs who told us that they were worried about whether it was going to be safe to bring them to the Children's Emergency Department during the pandemic. We have designed this easy-read guide for parents and children to let you know what your visit will look like and how we will protect their safety and wellbeing. Click here to download it or you can view it online by clicking here.
Specialist Resources
You can find further Specialist Advice and Support to help you and your child during the outbreak below: