Why is concern that my Non Independently What is going to happen next? Mobile child may have a bruise/unexplained skin The professional who discussed your Non mark Independently Mobile child’s bruise/unexplained mark Bruises/unexplained skin marks on a child who cannot with you has a duty to contact Children’s Social Care crawl or walk are very unusual and research has (CSC). A meeting will be held which includes shown that it can be a serious cause for concern. children’s social care, the Police and a Paediatrician. What could be the reason for the You will be contacted and given an appointment, bruise/unexplained skin mark usually within 24hrs of the referral, for your child to be seen by a paediatrician (a doctor specialising in It not be a bruise/unexplained skin mark at all, children). This is most often at your local child it may be an unusual birthmark - not all birthmarks development centre or hospital. This is done quickly are present at birth but can appear days or weeks because if any further treatment or investigations are later. required it is important this happens as soon as possible for your child. The bruise/unexplained skin mark may be a sign of a medical condition such as a blood disorder which At the appointment the paediatrician will ask you about requires further medical investigation. your child, examine your child fully and then decide if any further medical investigations are required. Any The bruise/unexplained skin mark can be a sign information you can give about your baby is extremely that your child has sustained an injury. important in finding out the reason for your child’s bruise/unexplained skin mark. All staff in West Sussex follow the Bruising in Children The paediatrician will inform CSC of the outcome of who are Not Independently Mobile Guidance which your child’s examination. You will be told of any specifies the actions they should take. We aim to decisions taken and if there are any further actions ensure that your child receives the best care at all required these will be discussed with you. times.
Why is concern that my Non Independently Mobile child may have a bruise/unexplained skin mark Bruises/unexplained skin marks on a child who cannot crawl or walk are very unusual and research has shown that it can be a serious cause for concern. What could be the reason for the bruise/unexplained skin mark It not be a bruise/unexplained skin mark at all, it may be an unusual birthmark - not all birthmarks are present at birth but can appear days or weeks later. The bruise/unexplained skin mark may be a sign of a medical condition such as a blood disorder which requires further medical investigation. The bruise/unexplained skin mark can be a sign that your child has sustained an injury. All staff in West Sussex follow the Bruising in Children who are Not Independently Mobile Guidance which specifies the actions they should take. We aim to ensure that your child receives the best care at all times. What is going to happen next? The professional who discussed your Non Independently Mobile child’s bruise/unexplained mark with you has a duty to contact Children’s Social Care (CSC). A meeting will be held which includes children’s social care, the Police and a Paediatrician. You will be contacted and given an appointment, usually within 24hrs of the referral, for your child to be seen by a paediatrician (a doctor specialising in children). This is most often at your local child development centre or hospital. This is done quickly because if any further treatment or investigations are required it is important this happens as soon as possible for your child. At the appointment the paediatrician will ask you about your child, examine your child fully and then decide if any further medical investigations are required. Any information you can give about your baby is extremely important in finding out the reason for your child’s bruise/unexplained skin mark. The paediatrician will inform CSC of the outcome of your child’s examination. You will be told of any decisions taken and if there are any further actions required these will be discussed with you.
Bruising-in-children-who-are-not-independently-mobile-leaflet-for-parents.docx