Was Not Brought Guidance for Children and Young People

Minimum Standards for all Health Services for Children and Young People (age 0-18 years).

This guidance observes the principles within the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach that seeks to ensure that children have access to coordinated healthcare and support when they need it. It is intended to identify vulnerable children who miss planned appointments and ensure a consistent approach to managing and reducing risk from these missed appointments.

Was not brought (WNB) Applies to children and young people (who require the presence or support of a parent or carer to attend appointments) who did not attend a planned appointment and had not cancelled the appointment. It is recommended that this term replaces the use of ‘did not attend’ (DNA) and more accurately reflects the fact that children and young people rely on their parents/carers to attend appointments. It allows professionals to consider the impact of the WNB on the child and plan what support they may need, including consideration of child protection processes.

This guidance applies to all health professionals who work in community and acute settings. It is primarily for health professionals, but it is important that other partner agencies understand the concept of “Was not brought” (WNB).