17th March 2014

• Years of lobbying from parents have finally paid off! We are delighted to report that two new specialist nursing posts have recently been created at the Ryegate Children’s Centre: Jane Mitchell (right) specialises in learning disabilities and complex disabilities, while Jackie Gilmore (left) works with children who have a diagnosis of autism or Asperger’s. Both work with children who are under the care of a Neurodisability consultant.

  The nurses offer parent workshops and home visits for children who have been newly diagnosed, or who have been referred to them by a member of the Neurodisability team.

  They also run nurse-led clinics for children who are due a review, unless parents prefer to see a consultant. Clinics take place at Ryegate as well as several special schools; Jane covers Talbot, Seven Hills, Woolley Wood and Norfolk Park, while Jackie runs clinics at Bents Green, the Rowan School and Mossbrook.
  Clinic appointments last 30 minutes, but parents are given a phone number to call if they need further advice and support.

  You can meet Jane and Jackie at our Health subgroup meeting on Friday 21 March 2014, 10am-12noon, at St Mary’s.