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For parents and carers - Child protection medical assessment
A child protection medical assessment is a medical assessment done by a doctor to assess your child for any medical concerns. It is carried out when concerns have been raised about your child and a professional has requested it. This is because people are concerned about your child's general health and wellbeing. It can also be raised if there are concerns about physical harm.
Sometimes parents are able to accompany the child to the assessment, however this is not always the case.
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What will happen at the assessment
The following steps will be taken at the assessment.
- Your child's height and weight will be checked.
- The doctor will ask about your child's health such as their birth history, immunisations and development. They will also ask you about any recent injuries. You can discuss any concerns you have about your child's health.
- The doctor will examine your child.
- The doctor will discuss the examination with the social worker.
There is a chaperone available if needed at the appointment.
During the examination, the doctor will assess your child's growth, teeth, heart and skin. If there are any marks or bruises on your child, these will be documented carefully and photographed.
After the examination, the doctor will discuss the examination with the social worker. There will be a discussion about whether your child needs any further investigations or referral to other services.
The doctor will write a report which will be sent to the social worker. This report will be added to the health records which can be accessed by your child's health visitor or school nurse.
Consent
Before the examination takes place, we will ask for consent from the person with legal responsibility of your child, this is often the parent or carer but can also be a social worker.
You will be asked for consent for your child to do the medical assessment. The documents must be signed before the examination takes place.
Photography
The doctor may feel that it is important to photograph and document any of the marks or injuries seen during the examination. This will be fully explained at the assessment. The photographs will be taken by the examining doctor.
The photographs will be stored securely with your child's medical records.
How to get to the assessment centre
The Edwin Lobo Child Development Centre
Edwin Lobo Centre, Redgrave Gardens, Luton, LU3 3QN
There is a car park at the front of the building.
Child Development Centre (CDC)
Child Development Centre, Hill Rise, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 7EB
There is parking available at the front of the building.
Directions to the Edwin Lobo Centre
Leave the M1 at junction 11 and proceed along the A505 towards Dunstable/Luton. At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Dunstable Road. Turn left onto Stoneygate Road and then right onto the High Street. The High street becomes Grange Avenue. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Bramingham Road. Take the 2nd exit at the next roundabout and then the 1st exit at the next roundabout onto Northwell Drive. Turn right onto Redgrave Gardens and the centre is at the end of the turning.
Directions to the Child Development Centre (CDC)
From Bedford take the A600. Turn right onto Kingsway Link and then right again onto Kingsway. Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Cauldwell Street/Kingsway. Continue onto Kempston Road/B531. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto High Street. Continue onto Ridge Road. Turn left onto Hill Rise and then take a slight right.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
