New support for children and young people with sleep problems in parts of North Yorkshire
The Sleep Charity, an award-winning voluntary organisation based in Doncaster, has been commissioned to provide a sleep support service for children and young people in Scarborough, parts of Ryedale and Whitby.
The service includes online one-to-one sleep clinics and developing sleep plans with parents/carers to help address the identified issue and establish a regular night-time sleep pattern. All families will have follow-up support and where needed, will be referred to primary and secondary care for any medical investigations.
The 12-month pilot project was set up by the former NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), now part of North Yorkshire CCG.
Families living in Scarborough and some parts of Ryedale (the area formerly covered by NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG) are eligible to access the service, along with children and young people living in the Whitby district.
‘Distressing’
If the pilot scheme is successful, NHS North Yorkshire CCG will consider expanding the service. As capacity is limited, initial priority will be given to children and young people who are being prescribed melatonin and may have previously accessed behavioural support services, but a variety of support options will be able through this service for everyone who is referred.
Dr Peter Billingsley, Scarborough GP and NHS North Yorkshire CCG Clinical Lead for vulnerable people, said: “Poor sleep can be debilitating and distressing for families and can lead to a number of physical and mental health issues which require intervention.
“The Sleep Charity’s work with other CCGs has made a huge difference to families and has in some cases reduced the need for interventions such as the prescribing of medication like melatonin.”
Vicki Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of The Sleep Charity, said: “Sleep deprivation causes increased hyperactivity and other behavioural problems, as well as damaging physical and mental development. Poor sleep habits from an early age can lead to long-term sleep problems.”
