Referrals

Referrals for respite, emergency and end of life care at Naomi House are welcomed from a variety of sources. Most commonly we are asked for help for families by GPs, consultant paediatricians, health visitors and community children's nurses. However, sometimes families ring themselves, and relatives and neighbours can also make referrals.

On receiving a referral, if it is for emergency or end-of-life care, we have a 'fast-track' system, which can manage a child being accepted within hours of the referral being made if necessary.

Routine referrals are presented to our Clinical Committee monthly. The Committee is made up of two medical staff and two senior nurses. Any appeals are heard by a separate committee. The committee usually ask for background information from all the professionals caring for the child, and a decision is then made as to whether the child meets the criteria for respite.

Following acceptance, each family is allocated a 'contact' from the staff who will then arrange for a visit to the house and subsequently a respite visit. Families can choose whether to accompany their child during an admission - which they often opt for at least to begin with - and later to entrust the care of the child to the staff while they have a real break and time to relax.