How to make a referral

Who can make a referral?

We welcome referrals from any source, on the understanding that it has first been discussed with the child or young person’s family. Please make sure you’ve read and understood the acceptance criteria before making your referral.

Acceptance criteria

Our services are for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses from East and West Sussex, Brighton & Hove City, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire.

  • Applies to new referrals for children and young people diagnosed with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition and unlikely to reach their 19th birthday.
  • Applies from birth to 18 years of age (pre-birth referrals are also considered).
  • Families must live within our geographical boundary.
  • All children and young people are reviewed annually to ensure their condition continues to meet our criteria.
  • New referrals for young people over 17 years of age are assessed carefully, according to their need and life expectancy.
  • Chestnut Tree House services include support options for young people who live beyond 19 years of age and are preparing for adult services.

Referrals for end-of-life care

Referrals for this part of the service are fast-tracked and reviewed by a senior nurse or doctor immediately and a plan put in place. Any child within our catchment area who has died may use our bereavement suite and the family has access to our bereavement services.

How do I make a referral?

Download and complete the referral form below and return to us via either the email address or postal address provided on the document.

Download the referral form

What happens after I’ve made my referral?

Referrals are discussed monthly with the Clinical Nurse Manager, Community Team Manager, Consultant Paediatrician and GP.

  • We’ll seek out parental permission to request medical information about the child’s illness and prognosis.
  • A home visit may then be arranged to discuss the referral further and establish what support the family is looking for.
  • All young people accepted are subject to review on an annual basis.
  • When a family has been accepted, the level of support offered to them is dependent on their needs and the stage of the child/young person’s illness.