Looked After and Accommodated Children Medical Clinic (10-16 years)

About the Clinic

If permanence is being sought for a child, then a doctor needs to see them to assess their health, development and wellbeing.  This assessment aims to identify any additional needs the child has now, or may have in the future. Any needs identified will be considered when placing them with a family.

Young people under the parental guardianship of the local authority in long term fostering or in the care of children’s homes need to have annual health assessments.

The Assessment

Young people aged over 13 can decide if they want to be seen on their own or with their carer.

The doctor will ask questions about the young person’s current and past health.  They will also ask about any medications the young person may be taking and any allergies they have, so please bring a list with you (if appropriate).  Then they will discuss the development and education of the young person, including school, additional support needs and mental health.  If appropriate, personal safety such as the use of drugs and alcohol, smoking and sexual health will be discussed.

The doctor will then perform a physical examination which will include measuring the young person’s height and weight, listening to their heart and lungs and feeling their abdomen.  The young person may have to remove some clothes for this examination.  The doctor will also look in the young person’s ears and at their throat and teeth.

The doctor will discuss the findings of the assessment with you and a full report will be sent to the young person’s social worker.

What if I have questions?

Please ask the doctor if you, or the young person you care for have questions during the assessment.  If you have questions after the appointment, please contact the doctor’s secretary using the telephone number on the appointment letter

Your Feedback

The doctor may ask you to complete a feedback form after the assessment so we can evaluate our service

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk