The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) contacted the school nurse to see if Kayleigh was attending school. The school nurse reported she and her sister were often late for school, they were often collected from school by grandparents and they had some concerns about her appearance. A meeting with dad, the CNS and school nurse was arranged at school. Dad arrives late, seems able to sit comfortably, and has slurred speech and small pupils.
The school nurse offers for Kayleigh to have her eye drops instilled at school to help dad. He does not accept this help and firmly tells her that he can manage.
The CNS contacted social care to establish the contact with the family. The case was no longer open but both parents had substance abuse issues in the past and grandparents were involved in family support.
The CNS contacts dad and offers support with methotrexate injections to be given by the community nursing team. He refuses this and sounds quite aggressive on the telephone.
The CNS calls the family GP to explore areas of concern. The GP tells the CNS that the family are 'flagged' on their records as a result of previous concerns regarding meeting the children’s healthcare needs. She reports that dad is not on any regular medication which could account for his slurred speech and sleepiness. The CNS calls dad. She explains that she is worried about Kayleigh and that dad appears to be struggling and she would like to explore more help. Dad sounds cross at this suggestion but she tells him she will be contacting social care to see what extra support they can offer.
The family are then referred to social care.
More information about safeguarding is available.