Support is available to children and young people (CYP) aged 0-16 years of age, (0-19 with an active Education, Health and Care Plan EHCP) who are registered with a GP in Wolverhampton, and who have a physical difficulty which is compromising their motor development or function. 

Working with children and young people who have neurological (brain), neuromuscular (brain and muscle) developmental, musculoskeletal and orthopaedic (body) conditions who may also have complex long-term medical needs. The focus is on maximising the child or young person’s physical ability within their everyday activities at home, in education and in their community.

They are flexible about where therapy sessions take place in order to best meet your needs and to use their resources wisely. Therapists work in the community in a wide range of settings, these include family homes, community clinics, hospital, schools, nurseries and children’s centres.

• Specialist assessment and intervention for children and young people who present with physical difficulties that compromise their motor development or function.
   
• Support for parents, carers and educational staff to enable them to contribute to the effective delivery of the child or young person’s ongoing care.
   
• Therapist may work directly with a child in a 1:1 or group setting, or work indirectly through a parent, carer or other professional.
   
• Contribute to Special Educational Needs and continuing care assessments processes if required.
   
• Physiotherapists may work with other health care professionals such as Occupational Therapists to achieve these outcomes. Self-management and independence are an important aspect of the service.
   
• Work in partnership with a range of other agencies including Education and Early Years Services, Social Services and the Voluntary Sector as well as health care professionals such as Occupational Therapists.
   
• Education and advice around exercises and positioning, including training other people who help you such as your family members, your respite carer and your teachers to do your exercises and positioning with you if agreed.
   
• Signposting you and your family / carers to helpful activities and to other organisations, including referral to Mobility Services or Orthotics if needed.

Some children and young people (CYP) need equipment to support them to manage a long-term condition or disability. For example, a school or setting must provide this if needed for someone to take part in their education and they may require similar equipment for use at home. 

Assessment for this equipment is usually carried out by a Paediatric physiotherapist or Paediatric occupational therapist.

• They will assess equipment from a number of companies to ensure that the equipment being suggested is the most appropriate to the child or young person needs for now and the future.
• If the equipment is for a school / college setting, they will write a report to explain why the child or young person needs it and the benefit it offers.
• If the equipment is for a home setting, they will assist in obtaining the equipment through the correct service providers.
• The equipment is to be returned if the person does not need it anymore or the person moves out of Wolverhampton.

Therapists will make detailed assessment of your need and apply for funding from the correct provider. If an item is required and there is no funding available, your therapist will discuss with you further options that may be available.

Referrals are made by health professionals including GP, Health Visitor, Consultant and Nurse who can identify specific functional needs for Physiotherapy intervention.

Contact The Gem Centre directly to access the most appropriate person or The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust service feedback can be provided by visiting Patient experience team.

• Email: rwh-tr.childrenstherapyservices@nhs.net
• Telephone: 01902 446290
• Telephone: 01902 446302
• Physiotherapy Service, The Gem Centre, Neachells Lane, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV11 3PG