Specialist nurses are highly trained nurses who support children and young people with complex or long-term health needs.

In Croydon, the Specialist Nursing Service works with children and young people from birth to 18, and sometimes up to 25 (depending on need), providing expert care in the home, school, and community. They help children with medical conditions or disabilities live as safely and independently as possible. 

Support for you and your family. Croydon’s specialist nursing service is here to help your child live safely, comfortably, and fully - while supporting you as a parent or carer with the confidence and skills you need. 

Specialist nurses help families by:

• Creating and managing individual healthcare plans for children with medical needs.
• Giving clinical care such as tube feeding, tracheostomy care, or catheter care.
• Teaching and supporting parents, carers, and school staff to carry out medical tasks.
• Coordinating care between home, school, hospital, and other services.
• Helping families get equipment, medication, or home visits when needed.
• Supporting safe attendance at school or nursery for children with health needs.
• Providing support during transitions, such as moving between schools or from child to adult services. 

Specialist nurses support children and young people with a wide range of health conditions, such as:

• Complex physical disabilities
  
• Long-term conditions like epilepsy or diabetes
  
• Life-limiting or life-threatening conditions
  
• Feeding difficulties (e.g. tube feeding)
  
• Children who need support after hospital stays or surgery
  

They also work closely with families of children who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or who are receiving care through Children’s Continuing Care.

Specialist nurses can support your child:

• In your home
  
• At school or nursery
  
• In respite settings
  
• In the community or at clinics
  

They work alongside other professionals, such as GPs, paediatricians, therapists, school staff, and social care teams to make sure your child’s needs are fully supported. 

Referrals to the specialist nursing team are usually made by:

• Your GP or hospital consultant
  
• A community paediatrician
  
• The Children’s Continuing Care team
  
• A school nurse or therapist

Locations for service delivery include Croydon University Hospital, Children's Outpatient Unit, Rainbow Children's Unit and Paediatric Emergency Department.

If you're unsure how to access the service, you can also speak to your child’s SENCo or contact Croydon SENDIASS for advice.