I propose to take Questions Nos. 993, 994 and 995 together.
Under Progressing Disabilities, referrals received for children are brought to the Children’s Services Referral Fora which is a multi-disciplinary panel, comprising of clinicians from both Primary Care and Disability Services. The purpose of the forum is to ensure referrals are directed to the most appropriate pathway in line with the Progressing Disability Services (PDS) National Access Policy. This panel provides clinical input from therapists in both Primary Care and Disability Services. The PDS National Access Policy provides clinicians with the clear framework for making decisions regarding referrals, ensuring consistency and fairness.
Documentation for the child was received in June 2023, his case was discussed at the Children’s Services Referral Forum in October 2023 and then referred to Primary Care Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy departments for input. His referral documentation was received again in June 2024, his needs were discussed at the September 2024 Children’s Services Referral Forum and referred to Primary Care Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy departments for input. A further referral was received in May 2025, discussed at the June Children’s Services Referral Forum and referred to Primary Care Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy departments.
Following a comprehensive review on 3 separate occasions and unanimous agreement by clinicians from both Primary Care and Disability Services, the recommended pathway for this child was determined to be Primary Care.
This decision reflects the shared expertise of the forum and the collaborative approach between Primary Care and Disability Services to ensure the best possible care for children at various stages of their lives. Primary Care and Disability Services work closely together and should the clinicians in Primary Care feel that the child requires the Children’s Disability Network Team at any point in the future they will make an onward referral to the Children's Services Referral Forum.
