Your genetics appointment - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

You will have been referred for a genetics appointment by your doctor or other healthcare professional. In some cases, you may have contacted our department after receiving information from a relative.

Why have I been given an appointment at the genetics clinic?

You will generally have been referred by your doctor or other healthcare professional. In some cases, you may have contacted our department after receiving information from a relative.

The role of a Clinical Genetics doctor is generally to assess and diagnose people who might have a genetic condition explaining their current health issues.

Genetic counsellors can give people information about hereditary conditions, how they are inherited, and which family members may be affected. Their role is to provide you with information about the options available to you, and to help you to understand and support you so you can make the decisions that are right for you.

If you are unsure about why you have been referred for a Clinical Genetics appointment, please check with the doctor or specialist who referred you.

Your appointment may be:

Face-to-Face – Please check your appointment letter for the location
By telephone – We will call you on the phone number provided by your referrer or on your NHS records. Please let us know if we need to use a different phone number. Sometimes, our call will show as a private number on your caller display.

Please check your appointment letter for details.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we would be happy to see you with a friend or a member of your family.

It is important however to be aware that we may discuss sensitive or confidential issues relating to your health.

If you plan to bring several relatives to your appointment please let us know to check that is okay in the space and time available.

If you need any additional assistance such as an interpreter, please let us know before your appointment and we will try to arrange it for you.

What will happen at the clinic?

Every effort will be made to ensure that you are seen by a member of the team as near to your appointment time as possible. It is impossible however to guarantee the exact time in all situations. Please be prepared in case there are some delays.

The appointment might include:

Questions about your medical and family history
A physical examination
You may be asked if clinical photographs can be taken of you/your child
A discussion about a genetic test result
A discussion about testing, treatment and reproductive options
Blood tests.

You may be asked about for further information about your relatives regarding their health, in particular those who may have a genetic condition. This could include their:

Full name, including maiden names
Date of birth/age
Date and cause of death (if appropriate)
Diagnosis (ideally the medical name of your relative’s condition and hospital(s) at which they were treated).

What if I cannot get this information?

Please do not worry if you are not able to provide us with all of this information.

What will you do with the information I give you?

The information will remain confidential. We will talk to you at your appointment about how we use your information and will aim to ensure that you agree with how your information is used. We will not disclose your personal information to your relatives without your permission.

Will I be asked to be involved in teaching?

As a major teaching hospital the training of nurses, doctors and other health professionals is an important part of our work.

During your visit you may be asked if you are willing to have a student present during your consultation.

All students are supervised by senior members of staff. However, there is no obligation for you to agree to this and if you decline then this will in no way affect your treatment.

Will I be asked to be involved in research?

Research into new treatments and better ways of providing healthcare is also another important component of our work. You may be asked if you would agree to participate in a research project during your visit. However, you are under no obligation to take part and you have the right to decline or to withdraw from the research at any time even if you do initially agree.

How long will my appointment take?

Your appointment will usually last between 30 minutes and one hour.

Can I speak to someone before my appointment?

For enquiries regarding an appointment please contact a member of the appointments team on 0191 241 8740 (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday).

It is usually not possible for your doctor or counsellor to talk with you before the appointment. However, if there is information you wish to pass on to them, please contact on the above phone number.

What to do if I cannot attend my genetics appointment

If for whatever reason you are unable to attend your clinical genetics appointment, please let us know as soon as you able to do. Please call 0191 241 8740 (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday).