How do I get an appointment?
Your child will be referred by their GP or consultant if they may have a neuromuscular disorder
Changing or cancelling your appointment
To cancel or change your appointment, call 020 7188 4000 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am-5pm) or email PaediatricAppointmentsNeurology@gstt.nhs.uk.
Please tell us as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment to another patient.
Before your appointment
Please bring your child’s red book (personal child health record) to your appointment, along with details of any health professionals already involved in your child’s care.
It is also helpful to bring details of any medicines your child is taking.
During the appointment, we may need to examine your child’s strength and their movement abilities. To ensure a thorough assessment, we will usually ask your child to undress to their underwear, therefore you may wish to bring shorts for them to wear to make them feel more comfortable.
During your appointment
Your child will be assessed by a specialist children’s neuromuscular doctor as well as a specialist neuromuscular physiotherapist. They may also see an occupational therapist. During the appointment they will examine your child’s muscle strength and observe their movement abilities.
A first appointment for a newly referred child to the neuromuscular service lasts about one hour. Follow up appointments last about 45 minutes. We do our best to run to time but delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
We may need to take a blood test or carry out other investigations after the end of your clinic appointment. Sometimes we may need to arrange for other investigations to be carried out on a different day.
As we are a teaching hospital, students and visitors may be observing the team. We will always ask your permission for them to observe your appointment.
After your appointment
During your appointment, we will let you know whether any specialist investigations are going to be necessary and when these will be scheduled. We will also tell you whether or not a follow-up clinic appointment is necessary.
After your appointment, we will write to you with details of the clinic report, and details of any follow-up appointment.
A copy of this letter will also be sent to your GP and any other clinicians involved in your child’s care.
The letter will have contact details for the neuromuscular service if you have any questions.