Addenbrooke's Hospital Combined Cleft Clinic

On behalf of the Cleft Team, we would like to welcome you to the Combined Cleft Clinic.

The Combined Cleft Clinic is an opportunity to discuss any queries or concerns you may have with regards to your cleft care.

Our team, known as Cleft.NET.East, provides specialist care across the East of England.

We hold a variety of clinics, both at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and across the East of England.

When will my appointments be?

You will be expected to attend clinics at regular intervals over the 20 year pathway:

• Shortly after birth and before first surgery
• Post-surgery check-up
• 3 year review
• 5 year audit – detailed assessment stage - full morning or afternoon
• 10 year review
• 15 year review
• Final review between 18-20 years of age.

Other than our five year audit clinic, the appointments take between 20-25 minutes, although may take longer if one of our specialist team wishes to see you separately so please bear this in mind when planning your day.

If you have any queries or concerns between scheduled appointments do not hesitate to contact the team on the telephone numbers provided and you will be invited to a clinic if necessary.

Who will be at my appointments?

We are a multi-professional, specialist team of clinicians who work closely together to provide high quality care for all patients within our network. The following clinicians may be present at your appointment:

• cleft surgeons
• clinical nurse specialist
• speech and language therapist
• audiologist
• ear, nose and throat consultant
• orthodontist
• paediatric dentist
• clinical psychologist
• paediatrician

In the future, please be aware that several clinicians are likely to be at your appointment. If you would prefer for fewer clinicians to be present, please do let us know prior to the clinic appointment and we will facilitate this.

If you or your child feel particularly anxious about coming into the clinic room or if you would like to speak to the team without your child present let the team know as you come in.

What will happen at my appointments?

When you meet the team we will talk about how things have been with eating and drinking, hearing, speech/ babble, appearance, teeth, and school/college/work. You may be asked to have some photographs taken on the day for your medical records.

It is useful to look at our pre-clinic questionnaire before attending your appointment. This will help you to think about what you would like to talk about and gain from your time with us.

There are two questionnaires – age is noted as guidance only - please use whichever format you find most suitable and accessible.

Please click on this link to access the questionnaires .

Useful Websites

Cleft.NET.East

CLAPA (opens in a new tab)

Changing Faces (opens in a new tab)

How do I give feedback to the cleft team?

We are always happy to receive feedback, please contact us on 01223 596272.