Key Worker

A key worker can provide a vital link in the care of any child with a disability. This person will work closely with the family and assist them in recognising their needs, liaising with other health and social care agencies to address these needs. The Handsel Trust promotes key workers in practice and emphasises the need for all agencies to work together to promote optimum care for families. (www.handseltrust.org.uk).

Following diagnosis, the Clinical Nurse Specialist for NPD will talk to the family and the professionals who will be involved in their care. This could include doctors, social workers, teachers or any one else that may be involved, in effect acting as key worker. In time, this role needs to be taken on by someone local to the family, who is familiar with local service provision. Often this person is a social worker or a nurse and will ensure that the team of professionals involved with the child work together, are aware of the role each will play and are kept up to date with developments through regular meetings. In this way the parent will not have to explain over and over again about the child and their problems each time they see another professional.

The key worker is the first port of call for non medical problems. If she cannot help she will be the one to find someone who can. Many hours can be wasted by parents phoning round trying to get things done, which is very stressful on top of all their other concerns. The key worker should aim to be the link between the family and all other agencies, making life as easy as possible for the affected child and their parent.