Cleft lip and palate referrals

The Cleft National Service Specification expects all referrals for new babies and antenatal referrals to be responded to within 24 hours of referral. Therefore all antenatal, postnatal and neonatal referrals are regarded as urgent.

Antenatal and postnatal referrals should be made by telephone only.

• Phone: 07548 152738

After antenatal diagnosis the ultrasound department will refer to the Evelina London cleft service using the referral number above. The clinical nurse specialist (CNS) aims to make contact with the family within 24 hours.

If a baby is born with a cleft lip or palate the ward staff on the maternity unit will refer to the Evelina London cleft service using the referral number above. The CNS will make contact with the maternity unit to arrange to visit, carry out a feeding assessment and develop a management plan with the parents and hospital team.

Occasionally, referrals for older infants (up to the age of 1 year) may be made by a GP or health visitor. GP referrals need to be made through the NHS e-Referral Service. Parents may ask their GP or health visitor to make a referral if there are signs of a cleft.

The CNS team provide an on-call service for antenatal and postnatal referrals every day, including bank holidays.

NHS GP referrals

All referrals must be submitted using the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS). Referrals sent to the nhs.net mailbox or by post from GPs will not be processed. If you need advice about a patient, please use the advice and guidance facility on e-RS.

Non-GP and tertiary referrals

Tertiary referrals and non-GP referrals can be emailed to gstt.cleft@nhs.net

Non e-RS referrals

In line with NHS England's Digital First approach, we encourage all external non-e-RS referrals to be submitted digitally.

Digital referrals help reduce delays, improve traceability, minimise the risk of lost or incomplete information, and support safer patient care.
Please submit referrals by email to gstt.cleft@nhs.net

We accepts referrals for cleft patients and for patients where there is concern that velopharyngeal function for speech may not be working correctly. Concerns may include an overly nasal tone of voice, unusual speech patterns and accompanying nasal airflow when talking.

We accept referrals from any agency in the south east region, including:

• GPs
• speech and language therapists
• paediatricians
• ear, nose and throat consultants

Please send your referral as a letter outlining the case history and presenting speech difficulties that are causing concern.

NHS GP referrals

All referrals must be submitted using the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS). Referrals sent to the nhs.net mailbox or by post from GPs will not be processed. If you need advice about a patient, please use the advice and guidance facility on e-RS.

Non-GP and tertiary referrals

Tertiary referrals and non-GP referrals can be emailed to gstt.cleft@nhs.net.

We are happy to discuss referrals if you are unsure. Please email gstt.cleftslt@nhs.net

Non e-RS referrals 

In line with NHS England's Digital First approach, we encourage all external non-e-RS referrals to be submitted digitally.

Digital referrals help reduce delays, improve traceability, minimise the risk of lost or incomplete information, and support safer patient care.
Please submit referrals by email to gstt.cleft@nhs.net

Children with a cleft lip or palate are introduced to the orthodontist and children's dentist when they come to the multidisciplinary cleft palate clinics.

It is not usual for a child to be referred directly, but requests for second opinions can be sent in and treatment may be provided by a local dentist.

More commonly, orthodontic care will be provided by a hospital-based consultant.

NHS GP referrals

All referrals must be submitted using the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS). Referrals sent to the nhs.net mailbox or by post from GPs will not be processed. If you need advice about a patient, please use the advice and guidance facility on e-RS.

Non-GP and tertiary referrals

Tertiary referrals and non-GP referrals can be emailed to gstt.cleft@nhs.net

Non e-RS referrals

In line with NHS England's Digital First approach, we encourage all external non-e-RS referrals to be submitted digitally.

Digital referrals help reduce delays, improve traceability, minimise the risk of lost or incomplete information, and support safer patient care.

Please submit referrals by email to gstt.cleft@nhs.net.

Adults born with a cleft who are interested in receiving further treatment on the NHS are able to access specialist cleft services at any point, regardless of age or whether or not they have gone through the existing cleft care pathway in the UK. 

The Evelina London cleft service accepts referrals for adults born with a cleft and living within their geographical catchment area (South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex). The Evelina London cleft service offers a range of services including surgery, speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, orthodontic and restorative dental care and referrals to genetic counselling. 

The cleft service information form (Word 126Kb) will help guide your referring practitioner to refer you appropriately.