The health and wellbeing of every child or young person who is looked after by the local authority will be supported during their time in care.

The following information is for children young people who are looked after by the local authority.

Your health assessment

A health assessment is a chat about your health. During the health assessment, you will have the opportunity to talk about issues relating to you and your health.  These can include diet, exercise, healthy living and risk taking behaviour. Maybe something is bothering you, or perhaps you are just curious.

Why you need a health assessment

As well as being a legal requirement for every child and young person in care, getting a health assessment is a good thing to do.  It will help you to be healthy and have the knowledge about staying that way.

Who you see at your assessment

You will see a doctor who specialises in child health, or your children in care specialist nurse.

Who is in charge of your health assessment

You are! That’s right – you have control over your health assessment.

Your nurse or doctor will not do anything unless you have agreed to it first.

Attending the assessment

You can attend your health assessment alone, with your parent or carer, or bring a friend.

Most health assessments are carried out at ‘Da Spot’ and Heart of Hounslow Centre for Health.

If you prefer you can have your health assessment at home or school.

Assessment and confidentiality

Your health assessment is confidential. This means that unless you are at serious risk of harm or in danger, the doctor or nurse will not pass on any information to anyone without your consent.

If information needs to be passed on, the doctor or nurse will tell you first.

How we can help you

We can:

  • Listen to you and involve you in decisions about your health.
  • Encourage you to think about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
  • Give you confidential health advice.
  • Advise you where to go for further help if needed.
  • Arrange for you to have the vaccinations you need.

More information

Drug and alcohol support

National Drugs Helpline: 0800 77 6600

VISIONS (drug and alcohol services for under 18s):  020 8583 6440

Counselling and advice

Childline: 0800 1111 (24 hours)

Samaritans: 0845 790 9090

Hounslow Youth Counselling Service (HYCS): 020 8568 1818

Sexual health

Brook Advisory Centre
0151 709 4558

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
0300 330 0630

NHS sexual health advice
0300 123 2930 

Smoking

NHS Smoke Free

Hounslow Stop Smoking Service
020 8630 3255

Activities and advocacy

Youth Empowerment Service (YES)
020 8583 2316

Contact information

Looked after children

Telephone:

020 3771 6101 (office)

020 8583 2442 (Da Spot)

07538 795321  (mobile)

Email: lac.hounslow@nhs.net