Physiotherapy Service - Children’s

• About Us

  We are a team of Physiotherapists, Therapy Assistants and Administrative Support Staff who work together to deliver a high quality, efficient children’s physiotherapy service to the children and young people of Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.

  Our physiotherapy service offers specialist assessment and intervention to promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

  The paediatric physiotherapists in our team work with the child, family and other key professionals in the child’s life, to identify areas to improve and maximise physical and development needs and promote function and participation in daily life.

  All the staff working within the Physiotherapy Service are DBS checked and have the appropriate professional qualifications and registrations.

  The team have specialist clinical staff who ensure the quality of therapy management and all staff are compliant with a range of mandatory training as well as participating in required continual professional development work in the form of ongoing reflective clinical practice, training and research as appropriate.

• Local Offer

  Criteria

  We provide a children’s physiotherapy service to children and young people from 0 – 16 years old or up to 19 years old if attending a special school.

  To access the service, children and young people must be resident, have a GP or attend a school in the Wigan borough.

  Referrals to children’s physiotherapy are accepted from health and medical professionals. Referrals are through a letter or referral form with consent from the family. Families can request any relevant professional to refer on their behalf.

  Referrals are triaged and prioritised on receipt and families are asked to opt in to the service. If parents/carers do not respond within 10 working days to our letter, the child is discharged from the service.

  We aim to see all children within an 18 week timeframe from the date of the referral.

  There is no cost for the children’s physiotherapy service.
  
  Location of Services

  The team is based at Platt Bridge Health Centre and covers the whole of the Ashton, Leigh and Wigan area.

  We also have access to Leigh Health Centre and are able to offer some appointments at this site.

  In negotiation with families, we can also gain access to other health locations across the borough.

  Physiotherapy services are sometimes offered in children’s homes and education settings as this may be a more appropriate environment to ensure that the child’s needs are best met.
  
  Children’s Physiotherapy

  Our team are skilled in the assessment and analysis of physical movement and development and make recommendations to support children and young people to maximise their physical and functional ability.

  The children’s physiotherapy service will offer:

  • Specialist Assessment of a child’s needs and identification of outcomes and goals for the child
  • Advice and Intervention on the basis of assessment of clinical need
  • An individual management plan developed and agreed with the young person, parents and carers as appropriate
  • Evaluation of outcomes and future plans
  • Advice on Transition and Discharge

  The children’s physiotherapy team work with children presenting with a range of physical and developmental conditions, complex needs and functional difficulties.

  Children, young people and their families can access expert knowledge in the following areas:

  • Developmental delay
  • Neurological conditions
  • Degenerative conditions
  • Syndromes
  • Neonatal
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Orthopaedics
  • Rheumatology
  • Gait anomolies
  • Musculoskeletal (MSK)
  • Motor Co-ordination Difficulties and Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
  • Neuromuscular conditions
  • Oncology
  • Rehabilitation for children and young people following injury/accident.

  Assessment

  Once an initial appointment has been agreed, a physiotherapist will complete the assessment of the child’s needs.

  The initial appointment could be a virtual appointment, unless a face to face appointment is deemed essential. Subsequent appointments will be based on clinical need.  Please inform the service at the time of booking the appointment if this would not be appropriate for the child.

  The physiotherapist will use a number of tools for assessment. This may include standardised tests and assessments and non-standardised observations and assessment.

  Further assessment may be required and this may occur over a number of sessions, in the clinic, home or educational setting.

  Liaison with other professionals and agencies also forms part of the assessment process.

  The physiotherapist may also provide assessment and follow up as part of a multi-disciplinary approach with other professionals around a specific need.

  We currently provide physiotherapy input into the Tone Management Clinic at Platt Bridge Health Centre and the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Thomas Linacre Centre.

  The outcome of the physiotherapy assessment and any recommendations will be explained by the physiotherapist.

  As part of the assessment process, the physiotherapist may complete an assessment and recommendation of equipment to meet a child’s mobility and postural needs. This may include mobility aids and standing frames.

  A recommendation for any equipment will be based on clinical need.

  Equipment identified as required to meet the child’s need by the physiotherapy service is provided by Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.

  This equipment remains the property of the trust and we will ensure that it is adequately maintained and serviced.

  Intervention

  Following assessment of the child/young person’s clinical needs, there may be a recommendation for implementation of some intervention for the child.

  To support the child, there are a range of different interventions that may be offered from the physiotherapy service.

  This decision will be based on the assessed clinical need, the identified goals from the child and parents and based on specific clinical pathways and NICE guidance.

  Outcomes and goals of intervention will be agreed and negotiated between the physiotherapist, the child and parents.

  The main forms of intervention fall into three categories:

  Direct Intervention

  Individual direct intervention focusing upon the child/young person’s needs, delivered by a physiotherapist or therapy assistant.

  Direct intervention in a group, with children presenting with similar needs.

  Provision of equipment to promote mobility and postural management.

  Coaching sessions to parents, working with the child and a physiotherapist or therapy assistant.

  Coaching sessions to education staff, working with the child and a physiotherapist or therapy assistant.

  The frequency of direct therapy will be according to the child’s assessed clinical needs and may be in a short block, with a review period at the end.

  Indirect Intervention

  An individual programme of strategies and advice for parents to implement with the child.

  An individual programme of strategies and advice for education staff to implement with the child.

  Liaison and attendance at meetings with parents and professionals to address a child’s needs.

  Referrals and signposting to other services and agencies.

  Evaluation

  Following assessment and any intervention, goals and outcomes will be evaluated and any further recommendations will be made at this point.

  Information will be collated and shared in a report format with parents.

  With the relevant consent, any reports and information will also be shared with health, education and social care colleagues.

  Information from a physiotherapist may be used to help inform diagnosis by the paediatrician.

  Physiotherapist’s may also be requested to contribute to Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plans and annual reviews for children and young people with additional needs. Once a request is received for contribution to an EHC Plan, the physiotherapist will work within legal timeframes to collate this information, in collaboration with the parents.

  This report will be shared with parents, the Local Authoity SEND team and the child’s educational setting.
  
  Moving on – transitions and discharge

  Once the child or young person’s physiotherapy needs are met then a child will be discharged from the service. This may be for reasons including:

  • Skills are at an optimum level.
  • Parents and other professionals working with the child are able to implement the advice and strategies to maintain the physical and functional skills of the child.
  • Difficulties no longer have significant impact upon the child’s development.
  • Resolution of difficulties with no ongoing needs.
  • Child moves out of area in terms of home address, GP and school.
  • A child or family declines input from the service at this time.

  The decision to discharge will always be discussed and agreed with the child or young person, their family and other relevant professionals.

  A re-referral to the service will be accepted should further physiotherapy needs be identified in the future.

  If a young person reaches the maximum criteria age within the service and there are still ongoing physiotherapy needs then a referral to the appropriate adult physiotherapy service will be made.

  Collaboration and joint appointments where appropriate will be facilitated in order to facilitate the transition to adult services.
  
  Working with Other Professionals

  Evidence shows that the best results are achieved when we work with those in daily contact with the child and young person.

  This enables those around the child to promote skills to their full potential in a variety of meaningful environments.

  For the physiotherapy service this means working with a variety of settings and with a variety of other people including parents and professionals.

  The aim is to form a partnership with families and professionals to support others to maximise their child’s potential.

  Parents are a significant member of the team who hold a unique insight into their child and whose contribution we value.

  Physiotherapists work closely with other health colleagues to provide an integrated approach to management.

  The physiotherapist’s will also work closely with any other health colleagues who are involved in the child’s care, such as the child’s Paediatrician, GP and professionals within the local and tertiary centres.

  Close working with partners from education, including nurseries and schools are advocated within the service, in order that we are able to provide the best support and approaches in developing the child’s skills and functioning in their education setting.

  We also work alongside colleagues in the local authority and social care.

• Referrals

  Referrals to physiotherapy are received and processed at Platt Bridge Health Centre.

  Download our Referral Form 

  Who can refer?

  Referrals are through a letter or referral form with consent from the family.

  Our physios can only accept referrals from Healthcare Professionals.

  Referrals are accepted by post to the address below:
  Children’s Physiotherapy Service
  Platt Bridge Health Centre
  Rivington Avenue
  Platt Bridge
  Wigan
  WN2 5NG
  
  What happens when a new referral is received?

  When a referral is received it will be triaged by a physiotherapist and prioritised.

  Once the referral is accepted a letter will be posted to parents/carers to invite them to opt in to our service within 10 days.

  If parents/carers do not respond to the opt-in then the child will be discharged from the service.

  If the referral has been declined a letter will be sent to the referrer to inform them of this decision.

  We aim to make contact with families in a timely manner and see all children accepted into our service within 18 weeks.

• Contacts

  Our contact details

  Children’s Physiotherapy Service
  Platt Bridge Health Centre
  Rivington Avenue
  Platt Bridge
  Wigan
  WN2 5NG

  Telephone: 03007071476

  Email: wwl-tr.paedtherapyadmin@nhs.net

• Feedback

  Our staff try very hard to look after your health and make sure you are treated properly.

  We would like to hear from you if you think we have done something well or if you have any suggestions on how we could do something differently.

   What we did well….

  • Making friends during the sessions.
  • Spending time with other children with similar needs, social participation.

  Things we could improve…..

  • Did not enjoy all activities / exercises.
  • Sessions could be longer and involve some time for social participation.
  • Sessions could include age appropriate music to accompany sessions.
  • More information to prepare for and participate in sessions.
  • More people in the groups.
  • Include some outdoor play.
  • Not all groups offer sessions at Leigh.

  What we do now!

  • Offer groups at Leigh Health Centre and Platt Bridge
  • Exercise Programme
  • Peer support for children and parents/carers
  • Offer after school groups

  Feedback from our service users

  The treatment shows and explains the different exercises that help and how they can be performed at home.

  They take care of your child and listen. Always here to help. They explain the exercises and the benefits.

  Very friendly, helpful, and listened to my concerns. Giving me support so i wasn’t as concerned about her. I feel more confident now. Exercises explained very well.

  I have seen the progress my daughter has made over the last few weeks, from the help and support and information given. I have found the physio appointments very informative and helpful in supporting my childs needs.

  Very professional service with excellent results. Efficient and friendly too. Good strong diagnosis with full explanations of each exercise required to alleviate symptoms.

  Physio have been a fantastic support to my son. I felt that the team were very forthcoming with help and ideas for my son and also helped us get in contact with other helpful services.

  We have had exceptional support from this service since my son was 18 months old. They have made a vast difference in making him the physically able child he is today.

  Very thorough throughout. Careful questioning and full explanations and demonstrations.

• FAQs

  Q) What happens if I miss an appointment?
  If you know in advance that you can’t make a pre-arranged appointment then please contact Platt Bridge Health Centre on 01942 482457 where we will re-arrange your appointment.

  If the appointment time and date has passed and you have not contacted the service to notify of non-attendance then the patient will be discharged from the service in line with policy.

  If your child still has ongoing physiotherapy needs please call to discuss this further.
  
  Q) How long will the initial assessment take?
  An Initial appointments will usually take approximately 60-90 minutes, however further assessment maybe required.
  
  Q) Where will initial assessments take place?
  Routinely initial assessments are held at Leigh Health Centre or Platt Bridge Health Centre. However alternative venues can be negotiated dependent on the child’s needs. For further information please call the therapy service on 01942 482457.
  
  Q) What will the assessment involve?
  The physiotherapist will gather information around your child’s current needs. The assessment may also involve your child participating in a range of activities.

  Q) Is the Physiotherapy service fully accessible?
  All buildings used by the team are fully accessible and contain appropriate facilities for families and children with additional needs.
  
  Q) Is Car parking available at Leigh Health Centre and Platt Bridge Health Centre?
  Yes, please see our appointments page for further details.

  Will my child be seen virtually/by telephone or in a face to face appointment?
  Decisions around the type of appointment are made on an individual basis and use of technology will be facilitated wherever possible.

• Appointments

  Initial assessment and review appointments

  Appointments take place at the following Health Centres:

  Leigh Health Centre
  Children’s Service
  The Avenue
  Leigh
  WN7 1HR
  Tel: 01942 482457

  Car Parking

  Car parking is available at the rear of the walk in centre. Children’s services patients using this car park can have parking tickets validated at children’s reception.

  Platt Bridge Health Centre
  First Floor Children’s Service
  Rivington Avenue
  Platt Bridge
  Wigan
  WN2 5NG
  Tel: 01942 482457

  Car Parking

  Parking at this site is available for free however please note the car park can have limited spaces available.

  All buildings used by the team are fully accessible and contain appropriate facilities for families and children with additional needs.

  Appointment times and Duration

  Appointments are offered Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.

  For appointments outside of these times please call 01942 482457

  The length of appointments typically range from 45-60 mins for initial assessments and 30mins for review appointments.

  Could you please bring a pair of shorts for your child to the assessments.

• Resources

  Embrace Wigan and Leigh
  Embrace Wigan and Leigh is a user-led charity dedicated to helping people with any type of disability and their families who live, work or use services primarily within the borough of Wigan, gain the support they need to live a fulfilling life.

  Start Well Wigan
  Up-to-date information relating to children and younger people’s services for the five localities in Wigan Borough.

  The Dyspraxia Foundation
  The Dyspraxia Foundation is a country wide charity, founded in 1987 as the Dyspraxia Trust by two mothers who met at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children.

  The National Autistic Society
  Provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for autistic people.

  Scope
  Provide support, information and advice to more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year.

  Kidz to Adultz North
  Kidz to Adultz up North is the UK’s largest exhibition totally dedicated to children with disabilities and special needs, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.

  Wigan Youth Zone
  Wigan Youth Zonee offers young people from across Wigan the opportunity to meet friends, have new experiences, learn new skills and access the support they need to develop and achieve their potential.

  Information for Students
  Please download our Wigan Borough Children’s Physiotherapy Service Student placement pack to see what we can offer.