Skip to main content

Children's services - physiotherapy and occcupational therapy rehabilitation

Who we are and what we do

We are the Children’s Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Team providing specialist assessments and care to babies, children and young people. We are an integrated service of Neurodevelopmental and Musculoskeletal physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists (OT) and Therapy assistants.

Back to top

Where we work

We work in hospitals, schools and communities and are comprised of two core teams; Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. The Physiotherapists cover West Norfolk and North Cambridgeshire, the Occupational Therapists cover West Norfolk. We are based at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. Physiotherapists also work at the New Horsefair Clinic in Wisbech.

Back to top

Who we help

We help children and young people with a variety of conditions, injuries and illnesses. Below are some examples:

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Muscular Dystrophies
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
  • Developmental delay
  • Functional difficulties
  • Orthopaedic Conditions such Talipes, Torticollis, Plagiocephaly
  • Injuries such as muscle strains, joint dislocations, fractures (bony breaks)
  • Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

Back to top

Children's Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work both independently and within a multi discipline team to help children and young people overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, learning disability, physical disability, or accident, taking into consideration all of the young person's needs. The therapy includes practical and purposeful activities that allow young people to live independently and have a sense of identity. These could be essential day-to-day tasks such as getting dressed, having a meal, or doing school work.

Back to top

Children's Physiotherapy

Children’s physiotherapists help babies, children and young people affected by pain, disease or illness. We provide specialist assessments and treatments in settings such as in clinics, on children’s wards, in schools, hydrotherapy and in homes. We apply our skills and knowledge of childhood development, exercise and rehabilitation, education and advice to support children to optimise their physical potential. Physiotherapists are a member of the wider multidisciplinary team (including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, teachers) who work with a child and their family.

Back to top

What to expect for your first appointment

Children are triaged according to clinical need and appointments are offered within 18 weeks (normally posted).

Appointments are usually within 18 weeks of referral.

The appointment may last between 30-60 minutes. It is essential that a parent, carer, or adult is present at the appointment as there will be ongoing exercises. During your physiotherapy/occupational therapy appointment it may be necessary to partially undress your child as part of the examination. This will be discussed with you prior to starting treatment.

  • The therapists may ask questions about your child’s difficulties, symptoms, medical history, day-to-day function, hobbies, school and sports.
  • The therapist may assess your child through play, observation and/or hands-on assessments.
  • Together with you and your child, your therapist will set goals for therapy and review them according to your child’s needs.
  • Your child may receive advice and an exercise/treatment programme for you to complete at home jointly.

If you have any questions regarding your first therapy appointment, please contact us.

Getting here:

For information about getting to your appointment and parking, click here.

Virtual appointments

We offer virtual appointments via telephone or video calls. For video appointments we use NHS Attend Anywhere. If you have been offered a video appointment, you will be provided the web-address to be able to access the online therapy waiting area. For information on using NHS Attend Anywhere, click here.

Back to top

Information for professionals

Children can be referred to this service via letter or electronic referral by an NHS Health Care Professional, for example a Paediatrician, Health Visitor, Occupational Therapist or General Practitioner. Children’s Occupational Therapists cover West Norfolk. Children’s Physiotherapists cover West Norfolk and North Cambridgeshire localities. Children are accepted depending on their registered GP and triaged according to clinical need. Appointments are offered within 18 weeks.

Patients with neurological conditions requiring Occupational Therapy or physiotherapy will be accepted up to the age of 18 years (or 19 if attending complex need schools). Children and young people with a musculoskeletal problem will be seen up to the age of 16 if still attending high school (Year 11).

Children's Physiotherapy Referral Form

Children's Occupational Therapy Form

Please contact the team for further information on how to refer.

Back to top 

Compliments and Complaints

Your experience matters

We value your feedback, please help us improve our services by answering a few short questions about your experience with Children’s Therapy. Please click the link below or alternatively paper feedback forms are available to complete at your appointment. Children’s Therapy Survey.

Back to top

Contact Us

Working hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.45pm

Address:

Paediatric Rehabilitation Service
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, NHS Foundation Trust
Gayton Road
King’s Lynn
PE30 4ET

Back to top