Living with a health condition or injury can be a very challenging experience for children, young people and families, and can impact on mood, wellbeing and quality of life.
We are a team of clinical psychologists and specialist social workers who are all trained to understand how people think, feel and behave. We offer confidential emotional support to help you manage challenges that arise from living with a health condition. We also work with medical and surgical teams within the hospital, including your doctors and nurses and sometimes other staff you might see (e.g. speech and language therapy and physiotherapy).
The Clinical Health Psychology Service is committed to improving the psychological care of people in Bradford who have a physical health condition and are accessing medical care within Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Please contact the department if you would like to find out more about the services we offer, or you would like to discuss making a referral.
Please note
We are not a crisis intervention team or mental health service. For support in a crisis or with general mental health needs, please contact Bradford’s First Response team on 01274 221181, or the Bradford Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team.
However, if the young person is known to the Child Psychology team, please contact us if you would like further advice as we can support you to access appropriate services if required.
If you would like any further information about Clinical Health Psychology please contact the department between 8am – 4pm, Monday – Friday. Please leave a message on our answerphone if you are calling outside these times.
We use the BT text relay service for patients who are deaf or hearing impaired. To contact us ring 18001 01274 365176.
Address
Top floor, Extension Block
St Luke’s Hospital
Little Horton Lane
Bradford
BD5 ONA
We see children up to the age of 12 and their families who are under the care of a paediatrician in the Child Development Centre for Autism Spectrum Condition assessments, behaviour support and difficulties with feeding and sleep.
We also see children and families up to the age of 19 who are coping with chronic and physical health conditions.
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) assessments
Autism is a spectrum condition that influences how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. People with autism may have difficulties with social interaction, communication, rigid thinking and repetitive behaviour.
Families who have concerns about a child should speak to their GP who can make a referral to a paediatrician (a doctor who manages health conditions affecting infants, children and young people). The paediatrician will listen to their concerns and consider a referral to our team for a full assessment.
The Autism Assessment Team has very limited involvement after assessment. Instead, we will make recommendations and a copy of our report is sent to all relevant professionals. We will sometimes make referrals on to other services that we think would be helpful for your child or family.
For further information about Autism, please see the following website: autism.org.uk
Behaviour support
We meet with children and families to offer advice and support on managing behaviour for children with a neurodevelopmental disability or chronic health condition.
Sleep support
We offer assessment and support with managing sleep difficulties to develop better sleep habits for children with a neurodevelopmental disability or chronic health condition.
Feeding or eating difficulties
We meet with children and families to provide support with adjusting to a different diet associated with a health condition and managing feeding difficulties due to sensory issues.
Adjustment to diagnosis or illness
We support a wide range of difficulties relating to different medical conditions, such as:
Difficult feelings such as distress, anxiety or low mood relating to a medical condition or treatment
Coping with treatments that a young person and family may feel worried about or find difficult, including coping with needles, taking tablets, having surgery and other medical tests
Coping with how a young person’s condition affects their life, including school, family and friendships
Managing symptoms such as pain, tiredness and bodily changes
Managing the transition to a specialist adult service
Cognitive assessment
Medical teams sometimes find it helpful to gain an understanding of a child’s learning needs and thinking skills (e.g. memory, attention, verbal skills) to help with the management of a health condition. Our team can support this by assessing a child and making recommendations for support and suggesting strategies that will help improve quality of life.
Our talented and compassionate staff help care for a diverse population, making Bradford a special place to work. Choosing the right people is key to our success. If you think you’ve got what it takes to join us, please email careers@bthft.nhs.uk to discover more about our latest opportunities.
FAQs
How can I access the service?
Young people are usually referred by their paediatrician or another member of their healthcare team, such as a specialist nurse.
Is there a waiting time for appointments?
We will try to see you as soon as possible; however, due to the high demand for our services there is likely to be a wait for an appointment. If there is a wait, we will try to let you know how long this is likely to be.
How many sessions will I have?
The number of sessions people need varies. This will be discussed and decided between families and the clinician. It is very important that families attend planned sessions with clinicians in order for them to be as effective as possible. If a session needs to be cancelled, it is important the department is informed as soon as possible using the contact details provided on the appointment letter.
Where will I be seen?
Outpatient appointments are mainly held in the Child Development Centre at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford. Inpatients may be seen on the ward, in a private room where possible.
If English is not your first language we are able to provide an interpreter for sessions to allow families and clinicians to communicate more effectively. Our interpreters are employed by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and work within the same confidentiality boundaries as us. Families should let us know if this support is required when they are referred.
