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Community paediatricians are specially trained doctors for children and young people (age range 0 to 19 years). They have specialist skills and knowledge about all aspects of child health and development.

The doctors are based in health centres throughout Northumberland, but work in many different places, including in schools, at Sure Start Centres and in patient’s own homes.

The doctors perform one to one assessments in clinic settings, which can include:

• taking a patient’s history
• carrying out a clinical examination
• further investigations as appropriate
• organising on-going monitoring and future therapy
• onward referral to more specialist services as necessary and appropriate.

As well as one to one assessments community paediatricians also run:

• multi-disciplinary clinics for children with special problems such as feeding or language
• special clinics for young children or teenagers with development problems or disability

The doctors work closely with professionals from other health disciplines (such as nurses or therapists) and agencies (such as social workers and teachers).

Community paediatricians work with other agencies via multi-agency groups and provide medical reports in collaboration with statutory processes (such as Education Act, Disability Living Allowance or Child Protection). The doctors also provide education and training to other medical and non-medical students and trainees.

How can I access the service?

Patients are referred to the community paediatricians by:

• their GP
• a nurse (including health visitors and school nurses)
• another health professional.

Contact details

Each locality has its own community paediatric team.

North:
contact Dr Jonny Cardwell
Bondgate Practice
Infirmary Close
Alnwick
NE66 2NL
    
Tel: 01665 510888

Morpeth/Ashingon area:
contact Dr Mark Bagott
Child Health Centre, Woodhorn Lane,
Ashington NE63 9JJ

Tel: 01670 564030

Blyth/Cramlington area:
contact Dr Christine Jessen
Blyth health Centre
Thoroton Street
Blyth
NE24 1DX

Tel: 01670 396479

Tynedale/Hexham area:
contact Dr Gill Turner
Ponteland Primary Care Centre
Meadowfield       
Ponteland
NE20 9SD

Tel: 01661 867749.