Specialist Care for Cleft Lip and Palate
Our impact
Cleft care that supports families every day
We are committed to delivering safe, effective, and family centred treatment for children, young people, and adults born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Our service meets individual needs, supports long term wellbeing, and provides consistent guidance from diagnosis through to adulthood.
To ensure everyone born with a cleft lip and/or palate receives timely treatment, clear information, and coordinated support across our network of hospitals and clinics throughout the North West of England, North Wales, and the Isle of Man.
Compassion in every interaction.
Expert knowledge families can rely on.
Teamwork across all hospitals and specialist services.
Support that continues for as long as it is needed.
01
Antenatal support
Early guidance for families after a cleft is identified during pregnancy.
02
Early assessment
Initial appointments with members of the cleft team to discuss feeding, early development, and the first steps in treatment.
03
Surgery and review
Planned lip and palate repair with regular follow up to support healing, development, and wellbeing.
04
Ongoing support
Coordinated treatment that includes speech and language input, hearing checks, dental and orthodontic care, and emotional support as the child grows.
About Our Network
Cleft Lip & Palate Services
Discover how our team works together across the region to support children and families at every stage.
We are a specialist NHS service supporting children, young people, and adults born with a cleft lip and/or palate across the North West of England, North Wales, and the Isle of Man. Our team includes surgeons, Clinical Nurse Specialists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, orthodontists, dentists, audiologists, and administrative staff who work together to provide coordinated treatment and support.
We provide assessment, treatment, and ongoing support throughout the cleft journey. This includes early feeding guidance, lip and palate repair, speech and language input, hearing checks, dental and orthodontic care, and emotional support. Our aim is to help each child reach their full potential by offering consistent care from diagnosis through to adulthood.
Our service is delivered across several hospital sites, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, supported by outreach clinics in Preston, Bangor, Glan Clwyd, and Wrexham. Working across this network allows families to access specialist care closer to home while benefiting from the expertise of a nationally recognised cleft team.
Our Centres
Skilled professionals dedicated to your care
Surgery to repair a cleft is carried out at two specialist centres within our Network: Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9WL
The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital is a children's hospital in Oxford Road, Manchester, England. The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital is managed by the Manchester University NHS Foundation.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital
E Prescot Rd, Liverpool L14 5AB
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals, who treat everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions.
How We Support Our Network
Specialist, coordinated, and family centred support
Our service brings together experienced teams from across the region to provide clear treatment pathways, practical help, and consistent support for children, young people, and families affected by cleft lip and palate.
Easy access to support
Families are contacted directly with clinic appointments soon after referral. Our Clinical Nurse Specialists are available for advice, guidance, and home visits during the early stages of treatment.
Family focused approach
Every plan is shaped around the individual needs of each child. This includes guidance on feeding, early assessments, planned surgery, and long term monitoring
Multiple locations
Treatment is provided at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, with additional clinics in Preston, Bangor, Glan Clwyd, and Wrexham. This network helps families access specialist support closer to home.