Solent NHS Children's Therapy Service Updated- Covid 19

The message below comes from Solent NHS Children's Therapy Services 

Dear parent carers,

Wishing you all the best at this really difficult time. As you are aware during this unprecedented time The NHS Children’s Therapy provision needs to respond differently.
 
Following government guidance the Therapists currently need to practice social distancing.  This is in the best interests of you and your child.
 
Due to the very high demand on the NHS only therapy for urgent needs is being provided in the community.  This means that they are only able to do things which if not done could be a risk to you or your child.  This might be because of swallowing difficulties, or your child needs you to help them move or specialist equipment to help them be comfortable and safe. 
 
Contacts from the Therapy service will be by telephone or video conferencing rather than in-person unless you or your child needs to have the therapist with you to do a particular thing such as listen to a swallow or adjust a piece of equipment.  This would be discussed with you before the visit and be in agreement with you and only where you and your child are well and are not self-isolating.
 
Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Physiotherapists will continue to work  to advice and guidance from the Government, NHS England , their professional bodies and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
 
For NHS Therapy :
If you have an urgent concern or are worried about your child please contact the Solent NHS Trust Children's Therapies Telephone Advice Line: 0300 300 2019 They are available Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm

Thanks everyone