We are a specialist team of nurses and health care assistants with a wide range of expertise in the field of neurodisability who work across the Short Breaks Service and the Residential School Nursing service, supporting children and young people with complex neurodisability and their families. Bluebells, our fully-equipped, purpose-built unit, is set within landscaped grounds where the children can enjoy a few nights break in the countryside, cared for by our highly-skilled staff.
Our Residential School Nurses support the children at school or in the residences of the renowned Chailey Heritage Foundation (CHF) who are situated next door. Working in partnership with CHF and with our multi-disciplinary team of doctors, therapists and engineers, our nurses support and enable the children and young people to achieve their optimum life chances.
Our service provides:
Our family-centred approach and our passionate belief that every child and young person has a right to respect, dignity and compassion is the foundation of this unique and special place.
Our nursing team care for children and young people with complex neurodisability who are aged 3-26 years and have been referred from across Sussex and surrounding areas. Many of the children become part of the Chailey family from a young age through to their carefully managed transition to adult services. Chailey nurses and Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) recognise the value of involving the child or young person in important decisions about their health and well-being as far as possible, to help them realise their potential whilst supporting their development and pro-actively managing their often-fluctuating health needs. They act as key workers for the families, providing a friendly and sympathetic point of contact.
Nurses play a key role in the multi-disciplinary team, providing holistic annual assessments and personalised care plans, supporting Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and outings as well as caring for the day-to-day complex nursing needs of the children and young people. With the support of the medical and therapy teams, our highly trained nurses are encouraged to take a lead on clinical decisions, where appropriate, in collaboration with families or primary carers.
Chailey Nurses and HCAs actively seek ways to make the lives of the children and young people happier and more fulfilling, organising fun days, trike rides, horse-riding sessions and even camping trips in a safely managed and secure environment.
Your child will see our specialist team of nurses and health care assistants who have a wide range of expertise in the field of neurodisability.
‘Judy', a nine-year-old girl, has been at CCS for six years. She had a premature birth and suffered a high spinal injury that led to paralysis of her arms, legs and breathing muscles. When she came to us, she was ventilator dependent 24-hours a day and unable to swallow safely. She is now able to clear her own airway, breathe independently and is off the ventilator. She is more comfortable and stronger, able to express her own wishes and needs and, thanks to her powered mobility, she is capable of independent exploration. With the support and care of the nurses and HCAs at Chailey, ‘Judy' can participate in parties and other events, and even enjoyed an outing to a leisure park with her family.
Nursing services do not process direct referrals, however referrals to our Bluebells short break service can be made by local authorities and continuing health care leads using the referral form.
You can also get involved by engaging with our service's social media accounts by helping with the latest fundraisers and events.
If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).
You can contact PALS by the following:
Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.
