NDAS Update August 2024
We know many of you are feeling anxious about NDAS waiting times and we want to give you an update on what is happening with the service.
NDAS has faced unprecedented demands on the service, resulting in long waits for assessment. We recognise that the resource currently available within the service is insufficient to meet the need. We are therefore progressing with a review of the design of NDAS, to ensure that our service allows sufficient capacity to meet current need and aligns with service models in other areas across the country. As part of our redesign, we will also be refreshing the information we hold on all the children and young people who are currently on our waiting list.
You do not need to do anything at this stage. We will be in touch in due course with specific requests, if we decide we do require more recent information about your child. However, if you have recently updated your contact details e.g. mobile or email, please email nhsh.nds@nhs.scot and we will update your record.
Whilst you await the assessment any requests for support and intervention to support your child should be discussed with the Named Person in the first instance. The Named Person is ordinarily the child or young person’s Health Visitor, Head Teacher, or Guidance Teacher.
You may wish to consider developing a Neurodevelopmental Profile with your child's school. This resource can be used to develop a shared understanding of your child's profile including strengths and pressures which will create a plan of how they can be effectively supported across environments. Further information about this can be accessed at www.thepineshighland.com/neurodevelopmental-profile-wheel
There are also a few other useful contacts below who you may wish to contact for advice while you wait:
Just Ask Enquiry Line: Phone 0300 303 1365 any Tuesday or Thursday between 1pm - 4pm. This enquiry line is for Highland parents, carers, children, young people, and those who work with them. A professional will aim to be in touch within a few days of your initial call. If the professional does not manage to get in touch within 7 days, please do ring the number back.
Pines Website: www.thepineshighland.com You will find lots of resources to support you and your child on the website. This includes information about different neurodevelopmental conditions and ideas to help your child. There are social stories and visual schedules, details of upcoming Pines events and access to the Pines Library. They also have a great selection of training films created by members of the Pines team. A-Z List & Index of Pines Films
Thriving Families (previously known as CHIP+): This Highland-wide charity aims to give you confidence, empowering you to know your rights, know what questions to ask and have your voices heard. They provide an independent information, advice and support service for families with children (up to age 25) with additional support needs. They also offer digital peer support. Email: info@thrivingfamilies.org.uk Phone: 07514 120288 Facebook Page www.facebook.com/thrivingfamilies Website: www.thrivingfamilies.org.uk
We appreciate your patience while we try to create a more efficient and effective system that can better serve the needs of our community
30.08.24