Before a procedure Archives - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

There are a few tests your child may need at their Hearing appointment. The distraction test The distraction test is ideally used for babies who are developmentally 6 to 8 months old and assesses their ability to hear a sound and then turn to face it. The loudness of the sounds are varied to...

The penicillamine challenge is a 48 hour test that is done to check for Wilson’s disease. Wilson’s disease is a rare, inherited condition in which the body cannot handle copper correctly, and needs medication to remove the excess copper from the body. Your consultant will discuss the test...

What is a cognitive assessment? Cognitive assessments give us a snapshot of someone’s thinking skills and reasoning abilities, in order to identify areas of strength and any areas of difficulty. Sometimes this snapshot will open up extra support by us providing recommendations to school. We do not...

This resource has been kindly shared by the Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital. These questions are about your symptoms of possible sleep problems. Think about your last week while you were in school when choosing your answers. Download the full PDF...

What is an echo? Echocardiograms (echo) are one of the most frequently used scans for diagnosing heart problems. An echo is an ultrasound scan of the heart. An echo lets us evaluate the structure, function and blood flow through the heart. Your child will need to lie very still for the scan so it...

What is an ECG? An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a special test to look at the electrical activity in your heart, this is one through having some stickers on your chest. The results are shown on a screen and printed on a thin strip of paper. Doctors use the results to check whether your child’s...

What does consent mean? Consent means you will allow us to carry out an operation or clinical procedure or to give treatment to your child. Of course you can only give permission if you understand everything about the operation, procedure or treatment, for example the risks, benefits, alternatives....

What are electrodiagnostic tests? Electrodiagnostic tests involve using special sensors called ‘electrodes’ to record the tiny electrical responses that are produced by the eyes and the brain when your child looks at flashing lights or moving patterns. These electrical responses can be...

What is drooling (sialorrhea)? Drooling is the unintentional loss of saliva from the mouth. It is a common occurrence in healthy children. However, it can become a significant issue, particularly for children with underlying neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy. Too much saliva being...

Why do I need a nerve root injection? A nerve root injection is done to help your consultant diagnose the cause for your leg or bottom pain, or as an attempt to treat it. Do I need someone with me on the day of the injection? A family member is allowed to be with you… Continue Reading Spinal...

What is torsion of testicles? This is where the testicle (ball) twists on the cord it hangs on, like a conker on a string. The cord contains the blood supply and if it twists it causes the blood supply to stop. If the testicle is without blood supply for 6 hours it is severely affected…...

This resource provides details of the child protection medical examination and the process that we follow to make sure that children in our care are kept safe where there are concerns about neglect or abuse. We understand that this can be a difficult time for children and their parents and carers....

This resource will explain the process for medical assessment following concern about sexual abuse or assault. We aim to make sure that children who may have been sexually abused or assaulted can be examined for any injuries and given the appropriate advice, aftercare and support. Forensic evidence...

Coming to the SARC Children come to the sexual assault referral centre (SARC) when there are worries they have been hurt in some way. All children are looked at by a children’s doctor (a paediatrician). All the doctors at the SARC are women. When you arrive you will come to our waiting room. A...

What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood and body fluids. The infection usually only lasts a few months, but some people can have hepatitis B long term. Hepatitis B can cause: high temperatures tiredness feeling or being sick pain in the tummy itchy patches...

Coming to the SSU You have been asked to visit the Safeguarding Support Unit (SSU) because it is important that children and young people are kept safe when there are concerns about injuries, marks, neglect or other possible harm to them. You may be asked to visit the SSU with a social worker, and...

Coming to the SSU Children come to the safeguarding support unit (SSU) when there are worries they have been hurt in some way. All children are looked at by a children’s doctor (a paediatrician). When you arrive you will come to our waiting room. There are toys and games to play with, and you...

Going home When your child is ready to be discharged to go home, final checks will be made by the nurses. Please make sure you have some pain relief at home before your child is discharged, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as we do not routinely provide this. The nurses will tell you when...

Before arriving Where do we go? If you are attending for dental treatment, your child will either be attending Theatre Admissions Unit (TAU) or Surgical Assessment Theatre Unit (SATU). It will be on your appointment letter but if you are unsure do not worry you can check at reception at the main...

Who is eligible for a GP annual health check? Anyone over 14 years old who has a learning disability registered with a GP is eligible for an annual heath check. Where do annual health checks take place? The health checks take place at your GP surgery. Who does the annual health checks? A GP...