The clinic appointment and what to bring

The initial appointment is usually up to 45 minutes.

During this time I will go through your child's symptoms and medical background in detail (i.e. take a medical history) and then carry out a clinical examination. I often refer to some of the background information (for example a family history of medical issues) you have provided when completing the new patient form but please do mention this or anything else you may have discovered that could be relevant.

If any diagnostic tests are needed, we can then plan for these. Occasionally, some of these may be able to be done on the same day e.g. blood tests. Otherwise blood, stool (poo) and scans can be organised for a convenient time and location.

Please bring with you copies of any relevant documentation . 

This may include:

• a referral letter from your GP 
• any previous relevant correspondence between medical professionals
• copies of the results of any blood, stool or other tests your child may already have had
• for younger children or babies, please bring along your child's red book if there have been weight/growth concerns 

Investigations (Tests)

I may need to organise for suitable tests for your child based on the history you have told me (including relevant family history) and the clinical examination.  Sometimes no investigations are needed.

I will provide you with test forms that you can then take to the paediatric nursing team who will coordinate the timing of the tests with you. 

If blood tests are needed these may be possible on the same day but sometimes may require a separate visit.

For certain stool tests (for example, faecal Calprotecin, a marker for inflammation in the gut), a sample can be collected at home in a stool sample collection pot provided at the initial appointment. 

Ideally this should be collected within the previous 24 hours, and then brought in to the clinic and handed to the paediatric nursing team. Instructions will be given to you about collection and storage/handling of these.

Other stool tests for infection or biochemical analysis, need to have samples produced and processed more rapidly. Please ask us about this at the time.

At the Golders Green and Elstree HCA clinics, if imaging tests such as ultrasound or X ray are necessary I will complete the relevant imaging request forms and then our paediatric nursing and radiology team will coordinate the timing and location of the test.

In most cases, they will take place on a different day. 

Some specific tests may need to be performed at a different location to the clinic for example some imaging tests in such as a Barium swallow X ray may be directed to the Portland Hospital.

The day of the scan can also be a good opportunity to bring in any stool specimens or have any blood tests.

Follow up appointments  

We can go through any results together, to make a suitable treatment plan or adjust an existing one, and to monitor progress over time. 

Video Consultations can be very useful for follow up consultations especially if you have a long distance to travel and repeat examination isn't needed.

To arrange an appointment: 

• You can use our online booking option to help choose a convenient time for an appointment, or you can email us or fill in the form below, or call us on 07956550446