Paediatric Rheumatology
The Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Psychology service supports children and families/carers who are experiencing concerns or psychological difficulties related to their rheumatological diagnosis. Children under the age of 18 years who are under the care of the rheumatology team at NUH and their parents/carers and siblings can access the service.
Input can be provided to both inpatients and outpatients. Outpatient appointments will be held either via telephone, video call, or face-to-face at the Queen’s Medical Centre.
Referrals relate specifically to the impact of living with a rheumatological condition and include:
- Coping with and adjusting to a rheumatological condition
- Difficulties and fears related to medical procedures, taking medication and tolerating side effects
- Problems with pain and/or loss of function
- Low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, or anger related to having a rheumatological condition or treatment
- Upsetting memories of past treatment or time in hospital, avoidance of thinking about difficult memories or avoiding being in similar situations
- Parental/caregiver distress including those mentioned above related to your child’s medical condition
Referral process
Children and their families/carers can be referred by any member of the paediatric rheumatology team. Families can also self-refer by contacting Dr Rebecca Hinch (contact details are available in the information leaflet).
The Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Psychology service can only offer support to patients where the psychological difficulty or distress is related to their rheumatic condition. The service cannot offer help for significant or enduring mental health problems or when there is a risk to self or others.