A new point of contact for families

Just over a year ago Sheffield CCG commissioned a new service for children called a rapid access clinic. The clinic at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital is a point of contact for GPs when they are concerned about a child, and would like the opportunity for them to be seen by team that includes a senior general paediatrician.

The rapid access clinic is for conditions that might otherwise have needed seeing on the acute assessment unit, and would have possibly led to a short stay in hospital. GPs have welcomed the new service where children can be assessed and monitored. The types of illnesses and conditions they are referred for include non-surgical stomach pain, persistent diarrhoea with weight loss, faints and funny turns. It ensures that children are seen in the right place at the right time by the right health professional.

In many cases, children referred to the clinic do not need to be admitted after they have been assessed and monitored - but it gives their families the reassurance they need. It also helps avoid adding extra pressure onto A&E and also avoid unnecessary admissions into hospital.

This summer it was agreed that the service can be extended from three to five days a week; a big thank you to everyone who is involved.