Information for parents & carers
Can my child see a doctor or nurse on their own?
- Young people under 16 years old have the same rights to confidentiality as adults.
- A young person under 16 years old can attend at least one appointment without your involvement. During this appointment the doctor or nurse will make a judgement as to whether a young person has enough maturity and understanding of the situation to make up their own mind.
- This is called being Fraser competent. There is no set age for being Fraser competent - it depends on each individual young person.
- The doctor or nurse will decide if a young person is Fraser competent by having a chat to them about how they're feeling and what they want.
- Young people age 16 years or over have the right to make their own decisions about their health. They are deemed to have enough maturity and understanding to consent to medical treatment.
- We hope that by working in this way, young people will be encouraged to seek medical care and advice, and to give the full facts needed in order to provide good care. We will always encourage young people to discuss any health worries with their parents or carers.
Can you tell me what my child discussed with the doctor or nurse?
- We understand that parents and carers often want or need more information in order to support their children. We will actively encourage young people to discuss any health worries with their parents or carers, and often young people are happy for information to be shared in this way.
- However, if a young person is judged to be Fraser competent and wishes for this information to remain confidential, we have to respect their wishes, unless there are safeguarding concerns. In this instance we will follow safeguarding procedures.
- We work in line with the General Medical Council guidance on working with 0-18 year olds.
Where can I access additional support as a parent or carer?
- Parentline Plus offer parent-to-parent support, informal advice and useful information to parents on a whole range of issues:
- Boundaries
- Bullying
- Drugs and alcohol
- Health and well-being
- Risky behaviours
- School
- Self-confidence
- Sex
- You and your teen
- They have a free confidential 24 hour helpline: 0808 800 2222.
- You can also e-mail: parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk
- Visit their social networking site for parents of teenagers.
Any more questions?
- If you have any more questions about us you can ring your practice and ask. The staff will be happy to help.
- Newbiggin Hall is a branch surgery of Saville, so you will find the relevant details on the Saville site