3.11.10 Children Leaving Hospital to a Foster Carers Home where there are Concerns about their Health

Where there are concerns about a child or young persons ongoing health needs a discussion will usually be held between the Paediatrician, Nursing Staff, Health Visitor and Children's Social Care, before the child/young person is discharged from hospital to a Foster Carers home.

The purpose of this discussion is to identify and assess the risk factors the child or young person is exposed to and plan post discharge support and to ensure that the Foster Carer is provided with information, which will enable them to care for the child.  Areas of professional agreement and disagreement will be clearly noted.

If either the Paediatrician, Medical/Nursing Staff, Children's Social Care, have any concerns about any health risk associated with the child/young person's planned discharge from hospital then a Hospital Discharge meeting will be called.  Medical/Nursing Staff must liaise with Designated and Named professionals to discuss their concerns before discharge.  This meeting will usually include attendance of the Consultant Paediatrician, Nursing Staff, Health Visitor and Children's Social Care.  Foster Carers will also be invited to ensure that they have all the necessary medical information to enable them to care for the child or young person.

Foster Carers will be given appropriate training at the hospital by Health professionals prior to the child or young persons discharge from hospital, in areas such as invasive care and tube feeding and other medical procedures.  The medical professionals must ensure that Foster Carers are proficient when undertaking health care and Foster Cares must be confident that they can manage this level of care prior to the child or young persons discharge from hospital. 

Before the child is allowed home to the Foster Carers, the Paediatrician and Children's Social Care will identify and assess any risk factors.  Children's Social Care will take responsibility for recording and circulating notes of this discussion.  Areas of professional agreement and disagreement will be clearly noted.  This discussion will include consideration of ongoing medical needs of the child or young person and plan for their care.  This will inform the Children's Social Care's assessment and subsequent actions.

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