About
The complications of excess weight service service is specially designed for children and young people who have significant health and, or psychological problems related to their excess weight.
We are here to provide non-judgemental support to reduce and prevent health complications.
Our service is provided by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of a range of professionals.
The key aims of our service are:
- Provide a full medical assessment and address any associated complications
- Encourage family and team relationship building
- Develop a personalised care plan
- Provide ongoing psychological, dietetic, family support and education
- Facilitate engagement with local services to increase physical activity
Referral into the service
We do not accept self-referrals to the service, your child must be referred by a children’s doctor or a local health care providing service such as your GP.
We accept referrals for children and young people aged 2 to 18 years of age.
For a referral into this service mandatory investigations are required which can be done by the person who refers your child.
This will include blood tests and a blood pressure check.
What we offer
- Medical support – From the children’s doctor, you will receive management of any complications related to excess weight and you may receive screening for underlying medical or genetic causes.
- Psychological support – From the psychologist, you will be able to talk about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and learn strategies to support you with your overall wellbeing and mental health. Psychology offers one to one support with the young person or family and group sessions.
- Dietetic support – From the dietitian, you will learn about healthier food and drink choices, food labelling, portion control and balanced meals, tips to manage excessive hunger and how to increase physical activity.
- Family Support – From the family support workers, you will receive help and support with finding suitable activities in your local area and support with meeting goals.
What to expect at your first appointment
In the first appointment you will meet the team and discuss what you want help with.
There are usually no more than four people in the room with you. You will have some measurements taken such as your height and weight, this will help the team to make a care plan that works for you.
Following on from this all appointments will be specific to your needs and what works for you. meaning each appointment will look different for each person.
You will also receive suggestions for attending activities that the service offer to help with physical health and wellbeing.
Where to find us
Our complications of excess weight clinics are held at:
- Children’s Outpatients at The James Cook University Hospital
- Friarage Hospital
- University Hospital of Hartlepool
- Low Grange Health Village, Middlesbrough
How to contact us
- Our address is: Complications of excess weight service, Langbaurgh House, Bow Street, Guisborough, TS14 7AA
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 01642 854142 or 01624 944317
Meet the team
- Consultant paediatricians – Dr Mark Burns and Dr Viji Raman
- Clinical psychologist – Dr Yasmin Tanfield
- Dietitian – Vicki Steele
- Assistant psychologist – Katie Ness
- Family support worker – Sam Ingram
- Team admin – Josie-May Harris