Welcome to the Children and Young People’s Endocrine Clinic

Weston Centre Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre

What is the Endocrine Clinic?

The Children and Young People’s Endocrine Clinic cares for people with growth and hormone disorders. We are located in the Weston Centre (near the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre Entrance, ‘ATC’) which also houses the Children’s Diabetes Clinic.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the body which stimulate different parts of the body to grow and function normally. The pituitary gland in the brain controls many of these hormones, which have actions all around the body.

What do all the different people do?

Endocrine doctor

We are paediatricians who specialise in growth and hormone disorders. Your child will usually see one of us when you come to clinic. We’ll ask questions about your child, examine them, order any tests if needed, and explain and discuss their condition and treatment options. Our current team is made up of six consultants who are joined by our registrars and trainees.

Endocrine nurse specialist

We work alongside the endocrine doctors; you will always meet one of us when you come to clinic. We weigh and measure your child, arrange blood tests and other investigations, and are experts in training and supporting families to deliver any hormone treatments.

Play specialist

We work with children using play to support them through treatments and medical procedures such as blood tests and injections. We offer one-to-one sessions in the clinic and can also see you and your child at home when appropriate. You will often meet us in the clinic waiting area. Please say hello!

Psychologist

We help children, young people and their families cope with living with a hormonal disorder and/or its treatment. This can include understanding the diagnosis and its treatment, managing yours and your child’s feelings, coping with symptoms, and getting on with everyday life.

Receptionist

We help to arrange clinic follow-up appointments and also with any cancellations and rebooking.

What happens at the appointment?

How long will the appointment take?

Seeing several different members of the team and having investigations may take some time. We will try to see families as quickly as possible, but please be patient.

What if my child needs a blood test?

Blood tests can often be done here in clinic. We offer 'magic cream' or 'cold spray' to numb the skin if your child is worried about it hurting. Please speak to a member of the team if you have any questions.

How often do I need to attend the clinic?

Many conditions require monitoring every 3 to 6 months. Some patients might be seen more often, especially at the start of some treatments. Others might be seen once a year here, with other appointments in between other clinics at Addenbrooke’s or elsewhere in the region.

How do I get a copy of the clinic letter?

You should routinely be sent a copy of the letter from your child’s appointment. If it does not arrive, please contact our secretary on 01223 274311 for a replacement.

How do I get the results of any investigations?

Where possible, the results of any investigations will be included in the clinic letter. Some tests take several weeks for the result.

Can parents come without their child?

It is always helpful to see and assess your child at the appointment. If you or they prefer they were not present for some parts of the consultation, please let us know and we can make arrangements.

What if my child needs an x-ray?

X-rays are taken in the Radiology Department. This is located nearby, on Level 3 of the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre.

What if my child needs to be examined?

The doctor may need to examine your child. This may include examination of their private parts. As well as yourself, it is hospital policy that another member of staff is present for this. This person is called a ‘chaperone’ and will be asked to observe the examination. Please tell us if you or your child feels uncomfortable with examination, then we can discuss why and whether it is necessary. You have the right to ask that only the doctor and chaperone are present for the examination; other team members do not need to be in the room while this is done.

You or your child has the right to refuse examination. The doctor will explain how this will affect their assessment of your condition.

What if I have questions after the appointment?

Please do feel free to contact our team if you would like to discuss any points from the appointment or just have a general question. To direct you to the correct member of the team, please contact:

• Endocrine nurse specialists for any hormone or medication questions: 01223 217496 (weekdays 09:00 to 17:00)
• Psychologist 07929 336884 or 01223 216878 (weekdays 09:00 to 17:00)
• Weston Centre Reception for appointments: 01223 348576 (weekdays 09:00 to 17:00)

What if I cannot make an appointment?

Please let us know if you cannot make an appointment by calling reception on 01223 348576 at the earliest possible opportunity.

Patient organisations and other resources

• British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (opens in a new tab)
• British Thyroid Foundation (opens in a new tab)
• CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) Support Group (opens in a new tab)
• Child Growth Foundation (opens in a new tab)
• European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (opens in a new tab)
• Klinefelter’s Syndrome Association (opens in a new tab)
• Noonan Syndrome Association (opens in a new tab)
• Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (opens in a new tab)
• The Pituitary Foundation (opens in a new tab)
• Turner Syndrome Support Society (opens in a new tab)

Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 0QQ

Tel: 01223 217496