What is a Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)?

The Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) has a key role in ensuring that there is an awareness and understanding of the SEND Reforms by all of local Health providers of services and supports joined up working between health and local authorities.

The DCO has oversight across all health professionals delivering healthcare to individual disabled children, young people and those with special educational needs and responsibility around coordination, strategic contribution and clinical advice.

The DCO provides a point of contact for local authorities, schools and colleges seeking health advice on children and young people who may have SEN or disabilities. Within the local area there are SEND champions within health that can be accessed and an escalation process for any concerns or issues.

The DCO covering the areas of Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland is Rachel Wilcox.

Take a look at the Council for Disabled Childrens video.

Page last reviewed: 02/02/2023

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