Children's hand surgery patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your child's hand surgery appointment.

Before your appointment

We will usually see patients within four weeks of referral.

There are no restrictions as to who can attend the appointment with the child but we prefer at least one parent/caregiver to attend.

It would be helpful if you bring one of your child’s favourite toys to the appointment, so they have something to play with while they are at the hospital.

Please also remember to bring your child’s ‘red book’ and to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

• your full address and telephone number(s)
• your appointment card and appointment letter
• your GP’s name and address
• a list of questions you may want to ask your consultant

During your appointment

The children’s hand clinic is held on Monday mornings at St Mary’s Hospital in the fracture and orthopaedic clinic in Salton House. Please use the clinic’s main entrance on South Wharf Road.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

You and your child will be seen by our children’s hand team, consisting of doctors, nurses and hand therapists.

We may need to perform some x-rays or other imaging such as ultrasound scans. We will then make a diagnosis and advise you of our recommendations for treatment. We will keep you fully informed and you will have every opportunity to ask questions.