When We See Patients

When we see patients?

We are present in many of the multi-disciplinary clinics so might meet patients and families when they attend their routine clinic appointments. Along with other professionals in the team, we have key time points when we routinely see children, for example at 5 and 10 years of age. 

We can offer individual appointments where we discuss any worries children and families may have, in relation to cleft, and ways these can be supported. We can work individually with children, with parents or with the whole family depending on individual support needs.

We are able to talk (with families’ consent) with other agencies involved in a child’s care, for example school, social services, your General Practitioner (GP), and other medical teams. We can facilitate appointments face to face, via video call and, in some circumstances, via telephone. 

There are a number of ways that children and families can access psychological support. Families can talk to a clinical psychologist or any member of the Cleft Lip and Palate Team about their support needs when attending a routine clinic appointment. Any member of the team may offer a referral to clinical psychology, or families can contact us themselves to request this.