Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)

We welcome referral from any source, on the understanding that it has been discussed with the family.

Families may refer themselves.

Children/young people should be:

• Ordinarily under 16 years of age at first referral, taking into consideration all family circumstances.
• In need of palliative care - this may be at diagnosis, mid point in the disease process, or in the end stages.
• Experiencing a deterioration in their condition.
• Diagnosed with an illness, where survival to adulthood is unlikely and which may be determined by the following:
• Progressive illness (for example a metabolic disease).
• Life threatening illness.
• Chronic illness.
• Non-degenerative conditions.

Parental permission will be sought 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.

Referrals are discussed fortnightly (unless it is an emergency) by the GPs, Directors of Care, Deputy Directors of Care and other senior members of the team.

Once accepted, the level of support offered is dependent on family needs and the stage of the child or young person's disease.

Please see a copy of our Referral Policy.