Prior to your appointment with the Clinical Geneticist we usually arrange a preliminary appointment either at a local hospital, GP surgery or in your own home with a Genetics NurseSpecialist/Counsellor who will draw up a family tree and record any particular questions you would like answered. You will be asked about the names and ages of your relatives, and in the case of relatives who have died, it is often helpful to know their age and cause of death. Sometimes additional information about the family history is helpful and there will be opportunity to check on such details before your appointment at the clinic.

 For some conditions and referrals your case may be dealt with by the Genetic Nurse Specialist/Counsellor without having to attend a Consultant clinic unless you wish to do so. 

Your clinic appointment will be arranged at a genetics clinic as near your home as possible. Clinics with the Consultant are held at Exeter (Heavitree), Plymouth (Derriford and Scott), Truro (Treliske), Torbay and Barnstaple (NDDH). 
You will be allocated either 30 or 45 minutes for your appointment with either the Geneticist or the Nurse Soecialist/Counsellor, as appropriate

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At the clinic, because we book long appointments and see a relatively small number of patients at each clinic, you will not usually have to wait. Parking at most hospitals is difficult, so please allow yourself sufficient time to find a parking space.
 

At the clinic appointment you will be seen by either a consultant geneticist or a specialist registrar. The Genetic Nurse Specialist/Counsellor will usually be present. Occasionally another doctor or nurse may also attend to gain experience of clinical genetics. If you are unhappy about this, please let us know by telephone or when you arrive at the clinic.
 

The Consultant (or registrar or Genetic Nurse Specialist/Counsellor) will discuss the reasons for your referral and go over your personal and family medical histories. If appropriate you may be offered a physical examination. Investigations, such as blood tests or x-rays, may be arranged if necessary. You may be asked for permission for us to take photographs of you or your child if this has not already been requested.
 

After your clinic appointment, it is our policy to send a letter summarising the discussion that has taken place. A copy of this letter will be sent to your GP and any other specialist involved in your case (unless you ask us not to do so). If anything remains unclear after receiving your clinic letter, please contact us.