Physical and sensory
In this section
This Pathway helps children and young people in Devon (excluding Plymouth) with:
- developmental delays
- motor and sensory disorders
- musculo-skeletal conditions
- neurodisability
- chronic pain and fatigue
- eating and drinking difficulties
CFHD specialists you might receive care from in this Pathway
Getting help
If you need Children’s Physiotherapy in the Torbay and South Devon area you’ll have to ask your GP or paediatrician to make a referral for you.
If you’re already getting help from another CFHD health professional, such as an Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist, they can also refer you.
CFHD Occupational Therapy telephone advice line
Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) will be launching an Occupational Therapy telephone advice line, from September 2025. This can be accessed by all, whether that is the young person themselves, family members or carers, education staff, social care staff, voluntary organisations or other health professionals. The phone line provides access to advice and support around helping children and young people develop everyday skills.
Patient Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) referral forms
Following discharge, some young people will be placed on a PIFU plan. If your child has been discharged with a PIFU plan, you can contact the service directly for further support during an agreed time period (e.g. 3, 6 or 12 months). This will be outlined in your discharge information.
PIFU means follow-up is led by you, based on your needs, rather than automatically scheduled. It’s offered when further support may be helpful but not routinely needed.
Please only use the PIFU referral form if this option was offered to you at discharge.