Paediatric Diabetes Psychological Service
Paediatric diabetes psychological services
Embedded as part of the paediatric diabetes team, we work with children/ young people and their families to support adjustment to diabetes.
What we do
The psychology service accepts referrals from all parts of the system around the child and works on the psychological issues associated with diabetes with the aim to reduce distress, improve quality of life, and facilitate adherence to diabetes treatment.
In accordance with best practice guidelines the psychology service is also involved in assessment for insulin pumps. We also offer neuropsychological assessment when there are concerns about the cognitive functioning of a child/ young person as a result of diabetes.
In addition to talking therapy we also offer psychological consultation and training to members of the health team.
Treatment
The psychology services offers individual and family based treatments to the child / young person, aged 0-16. In some instances it may also be helpful to offer support to parents or carers.
The treatments are individually tailored to the needs of the child/ young person and depend upon the identified problem. Typically, the we offer cognitive and behaviourally informed interventions, that are delivered systemically. The aim is to offer support in a targeted way with the understanding that the child/ young person will be engaged with the paediatric team until they are 18 and therefore may benefit from gaining support at numerous points throughout their journey to adulthood.
The psychology service takes a strengths based perspective, assuming that the clients have resources and skills that can be drawn upon at difficult times.
Referrals
For information on referrals, who can refer and referral criteria, please contact us via our details below.
How to contact us
Please contact the Children’s Diabetes Team on 01708 435 000 (ext. 3012).
Opening hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9am - 5pm.
This is not a crisis service.
Paediatric Diabetes Psychology Service
Children’s Outpatients
Queen’s Hospital
Rom Valley Way
Romford
RM7 0AG
Where the service is based
Opening hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9am - 5pm.
Paediatric Diabetes Psychology Service
Children’s Outpatients
Queen’s Hospital
Rom Valley Way
Romford
RM7 0AG
Useful links and information
Transitioning to school for pupils with Type 1 Diabetes:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/animation-to-help-school-transition-for-pupils-with-type-1-diabetes
Living Psychologically Well with Type 1 Diabetes.docx [docx] 15KB
Risk and crisis contact numbers
PLEASE NOTE: This is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are a patient and require immediate support, please call your local mental health services as follows:
Out of hours
0300 300 1570 (option 4)
Crisis support
If you’re in a mental health crisis, call 111 and press option 2 to speak to a mental health professional. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you already use NELFT services, you should continue to contact your service during working hours from 9 am to 5 pm.
If you want to contact a mental health professional outside of these hours or if you have not used our services before, contact 111 and press option 2 for mental health.
Samaritans: call 116123
Please contact 999 and attend your local A&E dept with any imminent risk.