Young People’s Healthcare

Young carers and how to apply for the Carer Passport

Am I a Young Carer?

If you’re under 18 and regularly care for someone who’s physically or mentally ill, disabled, or has an addiction, you’re a young carer. This might be a parent, grandparent, or a sibling with special needs.

Some young carers start early without realising it; others begin suddenly due to an accident or change in family support.

Young carers might help with:

Washing, dressing, or giving medicines
Shopping, cleaning, and laundry
Paying bills and managing money
Watching someone who can’t be left alone

If this sounds like you and you want help or advice, call 0800 083 1148. Lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls are free.

Norfolk-Young-Carers-Needs-Assessment-Guide-Jun-2020.pdf

LGBTQ+ Support and Events

LGBTQ+ Friendly Practice – East Norfolk Medical Practice

For upcoming events in Norfolk/Suffolk please email Sophie.flack@nhs.net

Pill Check Appointments

Pill Check Appointments

If you’re taking the contraceptive pill, it’s important to have regular check-ups to make sure it’s still the right option for you and that it’s keeping you safe and healthy.

At your pill check appointment, one of our friendly nurses: Lauren N, Lisa C, Beth L, Victoria B, Jenny S, or Catherine R — will:

What we check:

Your height and weight
Your blood pressure

What we’ll ask:

Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
Do you get headaches, chest pain, or leg pain?

Are you taking the pill regularly, or do you sometimes miss it?
Are you currently sexually active?
Are you on the combined pill?
Are your periods regular?
How long do your periods last?

These checks help us make sure your contraceptive choice is safe and working well for you. Everything you share is confidential, and there’s no judgment — just support. Got a question before your appointment? Feel free to reach out!

Patient rights by age (e.g. accessing their own records, confidentiality, etc.)

Your Rights at the GP Surgery (Young People)

Intro:
Being in control of your health includes knowing your rights. Whether you’re 15 or 24, there are important things to know about using GP services—here’s a breakdown that’s simple, clear, and to the point.

Consent to treatment – Children and young people – NHS

The principles of confidentiality apply equally to all patients regardless of age.

Young people, including those under 16, have the right to the same confidentiality as other patients, including the choice to withhold information from parents or guardians. The GP will assess the young person’s competency to understand treatment options and determine confidentiality accordingly.

Parents usually accompany children up to 13 years old, but clinicians can ask if the young person prefers privacy for personal matters. Children under 16 may see a clinician alone if deemed competent, including for contraceptive advice and other treatments like abortion.

The practice supports young people in making their own medical choices confidentially and sympathetically. Young people without adult support can book appointments as usual.

Booking Your Appointment

Appointments – East Norfolk Medical Practice

16 and over: You’re treated like an adult — you can book your GP appointments independently via phone, the NHS App, or the GP surgery’s website.
Under 16: Booking often involves a parent or guardian, unless:
- You’re a Gillick‑competent young person—able to fully understand what’s involved—and the GP agrees you’re mature enough to manage independently.
  nhs.uk Care Quality Commission
Proxy access: Until age 16, parents or guardians can manage appointments and prescriptions for you via the NHS App — but you can choose to withdraw that access if you’re deemed capable.
nhs.uk+1

2. Consent and Capacity

Ages 16–17

You’re presumed to have capacity, just like adults — you can make treatment decisions without needing parental consent.
The Royal College of Anaesthetists nhs.uk
In rare cases (e.g., decisions that could lead to serious harm), a parent or court could override your refusal—but generally, your decision stands.
Care Quality Commission Medic Mind

Under 16 — Gillick Competence

If your GP considers you have sufficient maturity and understanding (called Gillick competence), you can make decisions and consent to treatment yourself — without needing parental permission.
The Royal College of Anaesthetists Care Quality Commission nhs.uk
This decision is specific to each treatment — you might be competent to decide one thing (e.g., talking about mental health) but not another (e.g., surgery).
Care Quality Commission The Royal College of Nursing
If you’re not Gillick competent, someone with parental responsibility must consent on your behalf — unless it’s an emergency and they can’t be contacted.
first4healthgroup.co.uk Citizens Advice

3. Confidentiality and Privacy

Your GP must respect your confidentiality regardless of age — whether you’re under 16 or not.
GP mythbuster 8: Gillick competency and Fraser guidelines – Care Quality Commission
Information for under-16s on parents and guardians accessing your doctor’s services – NHS

4. Who Can Accompany You

You can come to appointments with anyone — a parent, guardian, friend, or partner — or choose to attend alone.
By age 16 or older, you don’t need anyone’s permission to come alone.

Under 16, if you’re considered Gillick competent, you’re also free to attend alone — GPs may still check in with you about parental presence.