Specialist health roles in SEND

Overview

Each Integrated Care Board (ICB) should provide a Designated Medical Officer (DMO) or a Designated Clinical Officer (DCO). The roles were developed as part of the Children and Families Act (2014).

In South Tyneside we have a DCO and they play a key role in implementing the Children and Families Act reforms and supporting joined up working between health services and local authorities.  

They make sure the health needs of children and young people with SEND are identified and met.

There are 3 key areas of responsibility:

  • Ensuring an oversight of health needs and provision.
  • A coordination role in terms of service providers and partner organisation
  • A strategic role within joint commissioning of services and coproduction
Next : Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)
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