Once a referral has been made, you will receive an information leaflet along with a referral letter asking you to contact Clinical Genetics to make an appointment through one of our clinic coordinators. You will not receive an appointment without contacting us first. Depending on the reason for your referral, you will be offered an appointment either in a telephone clinic, a hospital clinic or in your home. When you receive your appointment letter, please study it carefully for details of your appointment location and time.
Your first appointment will be with your assigned Genetic Counsellor as an essential part of any new referral. The Genetic Counsellor will take your family history, where possible from both sides of the family including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. This enables us to provide you with accurate information and also helps us to interpret and understand information accurately at each appointment stage. It is an opportunity for you to share any concerns you might have or to ask any questions. Your partner, relative or friend is welcome to accompany you at your appointments. If you have hearing difficulties or your first language is not English we can arrange for an interpreter to be present.
On occasion, student clinicians may be present for training purposes. If you rather they weren’t, please notify a member of staff. Most people will require at least two appointments lasting at least half an hour. If for any reason you cannot attend your appointment, please contact the department referenced in the appointment letter. We can then arrange another date for you and offer your original appointment to someone else.
Please note: Anyone failing to attend an appointment or who cancels more than once will be discharged back to their referring clinician. This does not affect your right to request a future referral to our service.
