The Clinical Genetics team looks after babies, children and young people with a suspected or confirmed genetic condition. Our team is made up of doctors who specialise in genetic conditions (also known as Clinical Geneticists), genetic counsellors, genetic nurses and a psychologist.
We are based at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and look after families from all over South East Scotland. When we see children and their families, we come to clinics at the RHCYP or sometimes other hospitals in Fife and West Lothian.
Contact Us
You can call the Clinical Genetics team on 0131 537 1116 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm).
What are genes?
Genes act as instructions for telling our body how to grow and develop. Genes are made up of a chemical called DNA, which is found inside cells in our body. Genes are carried on structures called chromosomes, which can only be seen with a very powerful microscope. Sometimes, when a gene or chromosome doesn’t work properly, it can affect how our bodies are made and how we learn.
Coming to a clinic
Before a clinic appointment
Before your appointment, your family may receive a phone call from our Genetics Nurse. They will ask some questions about who’s who in your family, so that they can draw a family tree.Coming to a clinic
You will see a children's nurse first, who will see how tall you are and what your weight is. This tells us how you are growing. The appointment with the doctor will then last 30-45 minutes. We will discuss the reason you have come to the genetics clinic. We will ask your parents questions about when you were very little and before you were even born! We will have a chat with you about your health and how you are getting on at school and at home. You will also be able to ask us any questions too. The doctor will examine you in clinic. This involves having a look at your hands and feet, listening to your heart and looking at your back and your skin. We will also look at how your arms and legs work. We may have a look at your eyes and in your mouth with a light. We will also measure your head to see how it is growing. If it’s ok with you and your parents, we often take some photographs which will stay in your medical records. Sometimes a blood test may be done while at the clinic. This can be done by one of the specialist children’s nurses and you can ask for a numbing cream. Sometimes we also do tests by asking you to spit into a tube!After your clinic visit
At the end of your appointment, we will agree with you and your parents what will happen next. We often like to talk to all of the genetics team, to help decide on the best care for you. Sometimes, we may have to wait for genetic test results, which can take several months to come back. We will write to your parents and your doctor to explain what we have agreed and to confirm a plan. We will let you know if we need to see you in the clinic again. Families are always welcome to contact us if there are any questions. You can call the Clinical Genetics team on 0131 537 1116 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm).
