Published on: 24 April 2023

The Trust’s Children in Care and Adoption Health team has received excellent feedback from NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (DDICB) for demonstrating good practice.

The team, who are specially trained to offer confidential support and advice to children in care and their foster carers, were recognised by DDICB for their Children in Care Markers of Good Practice (MOGP) Action Plan for 2022/2023 submission.

In a letter from DDICB, the team were praised for demonstrating the organisation and team’s commitment to meeting the needs of Children in Care at every stage of their journey in the care of the local authority and wider.

The Children in Care and Adoption team undertake statutory review health assessments as well as provide advice in between health assessments. The Children in Care doctors undertake health assessments when a child comes into care and sometimes in partnership with the nurses where appropriate.

The Markers of Good Practice plan outlines several standards which are designed to assess if the needs of looked after children are being identified and met in line with statutory guidance promoting the health and wellbeing of looked after children. Standards include:

  • Completion of reports within statutory timeframes
  • Ensuring the voice of the child is heard
  • Transition, leadership, training and supporting children in specific circumstances.  

Alison Powles, Area Service Manager at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The team have received some fantastic feedback following the completion and submission of the Markers of Good Practice and this recognition is a testament to all the hard work carried out across the Children in Care and Adoption team.

“The team have worked with the Integrated Care Board to establish what has worked well and areas of focus for the next review, but all in all, the team should be proud of what they have achieved.”

Alison Robinson, Designated Nurse CIC aligned to Derby and Derbyshire ICB, said: “We would like to thank the team for their continued collective hard work and commitment towards children in care to improve health outcomes and life chances for these children.

“The team have provided an action plan of a high standard that is well thought through, aligning with all relevant requirements needed. Many congratulations on your achievements so far.”