Our clinical psychologists work as part of the team at the children and young people’s heart and lung (cardiothoracic) transplant service, part of the children’s heart unit.
We help young people and their families deal with a range of issues including:
- Adjustment to condition
- Problems in school
- Anxiety and low mood
- Difficulties coping
- Trauma symptoms
- Worries or distress about treatments, procedures or staying in hospital (including fear of needles)
- Treatment decision-making
- Social and family relationships
- Behaviour management issues
- Concerns about the future
Clinical psychologists work closely with healthcare professionals in the Children’s Heart Unit. Other professionals we work with include doctors, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, play therapists and physiotherapists. The psychologists can see any child/young person who uses the service, or member of their immediate family.
How can I access the service?
If you are a patient or family member/carer you are welcome to refer yourself directly to the clinical psychology service, please contact us using the details below.
Alternatively you can be referred to psychology by healthcare professionals in the transplant team – please ask them if you would like to be referred.
Who you might meet
Our friendly team includes:
- A senior clinical psychologist who manages the team, provides psychological support to children and their families, and provides consultation to other members of the team about psychosocial aspects of care.
- Clinical psychologists whoprovide support to children and families, and advice and consultation to other members of the team on psychosocial aspects of care.
- An administrative officer who deals with telephone enquiries and organises appointments, typing and sending out letters.
We also often have trainee clinical psychologists working with the team. They can be at various stages in training and could work with patients and families, provide consultation to staff, and deliver teaching and training.
What we do
We help young people and their families with psychological issues or distress related to transplant, such as those listed above. This can be at any point in your transplant journey.
We use a range of psychological approaches such as ‘cognitive behaviour therapy’. When working with a child or young person, our appointments might include:
- Talking
- Playing
- Thinking
- Filling in questionnaires
- Drawing/creative activities
- Playing puzzles and games.
More information
Useful websites
British Heart Foundation
British Transplantation Society
Children’s Heart Unit Fund
Little Hearts Matter
Contacts
Please feel free to contact the psychology team on:
Tel: 0191 213 8248 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)
Email: nuth.healthpsychology@nhs.net
Address:
Psychology in Health Care
Paediatric Cardiology Service
Level 2
Cardiology Portacabin
Room 208G
Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle
NE7 7DN