The overall aim of occupational therapy is improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people and enabling them to participate as fully as possible in occupations that are important to them.
Children and young people’s occupations include:
- Having fun while playing and learning;
- Participating in nursery, school or college activities;
- Developing skills, both social and practical, to become as independent as possible.
Our team of specialists helps children and young people to take part in activities that are important to them, improving development and allowing them to keep healthy, active and confident. After identifying what the child can do, what he or she wants to do, and what he or she has difficulty with, we will make a collaborative plan to help the child achieve his or her goals.
We provide a wide range of assessments, support and treatment options, tailored according to the child or young person’s need. We will often suggest activities to help the child or young person’s development, and give advice on different ways to carry out daily activities. We can also undertake assessments for specialist equipment and make recommendations.
Our team works closely with the child, and other important people such as parents, teachers and carers. We liaise closely with other health professionals, including doctors, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and specialist nurses. We also work with our colleagues in education and social care.
Harrogate District Hospital
The occupational therapists are based in the Child Development Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.
The Centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.
While we’re based at the Centre, the therapist will arrange to see the child or young person in other locations to assess their needs. For example, this could be at home, in school or at nursery.
Hambleton and Richmondshire
The occupational therapists are based in the Child Development Centre in Northallerton.
The Centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30am-4.30pm
Whilst we’re based at the Centre, the therapist will arrange to see the child or young person in other locations to assess their needs. For example, this could be at home, in school or at nursery.
Location
Harrogate District Hospital
Specialist Children’s Services
Child Development Centre
Harrogate District Hospital
Lancaster Park Road
Harrogate
HG2 7SX
Hambleton and Richmondshire
Specialist Children’s Services
Child Development Centre
24 Brompton Road
Northallerton
DL6 1EA
Referral
Referrals come mainly from healthcare staff such as GPs, paediatric consultants and other health professionals. If you are concerned about your child having any difficulties then contact your GP and request an assessment.