How do I get an appointment?
Anyone who is concerned about an inherited or genetic condition in their family can referred by a health professional to our service.
Once you have been referred, we will then write to you, asking you to contact us by phone to arrange an appointment that is convenient for you.
Changing or cancelling an appointment
If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please call us on 020 7188 1397 (Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm and Friday 9am-11am).
Please try and give us as much notice as possible.
Before your appointment
We will let you know if there is anything you need to bring with you to your child's appointment when we first write to you.We normally ask that you bring your child's red book (personal child health record).
During your appointment
Your child's appointment will take about 45 minutes. We may:
- need to arrange a blood test
- suggest other tests
- make a follow-up plan
- discuss your child's treatment.
We will give you information to help you and your child make your own decisions and will support you whatever decision you make.
We may ask if your child wishes to take part in clinical research. If you decide to take part, we will make sure you and your child are aware of the implications and that you may not receive personal results. The care your child receives will not be affected if you decide not to participate
We hold joint clinics where other specialists may be present. Your child's appointment letter will contain more information.
As we are a teaching hospital, we will ask your permission if medical or genetic counselling students would like to observe your child's appointment. This is valuable training for them, but please tell us if you do not want this. Your decision will not affect your child's care in any way.
After your appointment
We will write to you and your doctor after the appointment with any relevant follow-up information.