Occupational Therapy

What is Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy?

In Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy we work with children, young people and their families to guide and support the child in overcoming challenges they experience when carrying out everyday activities that they need, want, or are expected to do. Occupational Therapy aims to support children to be as independent as possible in their day to day lives.

Is Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy suitable for my child?

If your child is having difficulty completing everyday activities at home or in school then they may benefit from Occupational Therapy. Difficulties may fall into one of the following categories, some examples include:

  • Self-care activities - dressing, washing, toileting, feeding, grooming (brushing hair, brushing teeth)
  • Movement and coordination – balance skills, ball skills, hand-eye coordination
  • School work activities – colouring, handwriting, organisational skills
  • Leisure activities – play, sports, social interaction

A National Programme and reconfiguration of Paediatric Services using a new service model called ‘Progressing Disability Services for Children & Young People’ has commenced across the country. Children who experience complex functional difficulties and require support within a team will be referred to their local Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT). Children with non-complex functional needs will be seen by Primary Care Services. For more information about this please refer to the PDS Programme.

Who may be referred to Cavan and Monaghan Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy? (Children must meet all of the following criteria)

  • Aged 0-18 years
  • Reside in the Cavan and Monaghan area
  • Experience non-complex functional difficulties that stop them taking part in their daily activities - these can be fine or gross motor skills difficulties or problems with their self-care or daily living skills.
  • Not currently attending Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) or on a waiting list for CDNT.

Who can refer to Cavan and Monaghan Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapy?

  • GP’s
  • Teachers
  • Healthcare professionals – Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Paediatricians etc
  • Parents/Carers

How to refer

All referrals to Primary Care Paediatric Occupational Therapy can be made using the Children's Services Referral Form below. This can be completed electronically by typing into the document or alternatively it can be printed and completed by hand/writing into the form.

Childrens Service Referral Form (PDF, size 103.5 KB, 11 pages)

Additional information forms corresponding to your child's age

Please also complete the Additional Information Form corresponding to your child's age. Once complete the Children’s Services Referral form and the Additional Information Form can be forwarded by email or by post.

Monaghan

Monaghan Primary Care Children’s Service,

Errigal House Children’s Services,

St Davnet’s Campus,

Monaghan,

H18DE78

monaghanpc.childrensservices@hse.ie

Cavan

Cavan Primary Care Childrens Service,

Drumalee Primary Care,

Cootehill Rd,

Cavan,

H12NV22

cavanpc.childrensservices@hse.ie

Tips and strategies

The following handouts have been designed by Cork & Kerry Primary Care Children’s Occupational Therapists to provide you with tips and strategies to help develop your child's skills as they grow. Further advice specific to your child's strengths and needs can be provided upon meeting with your Occupational Therapist.

Cork/Kerry Occupational Therapy tips and strategies

Cork and Kerry Primary Care Paediatric Occupational Therapy Online Video Series

Cork and Kerry Primary Care Paediatric Occupational Therapy Online Video Series

Additional resources