Conditions Treated
As a specialist children's hospital we are proud to be able to offer a premier, multi-disciplinary service.
Our main paediatric specialty areas are:
- Acute neurological rehabilitation
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The Portland Hospital offers a newly refurbished, modern and purpose built Acute Neurological Rehabilitation Unit for children and young people.
This offers in-patient programmes, centred around the child or teenager, which are delivered by a team of specialist staff.
Each child is assigned a rehabilitation team to ensure a seamless patient journey from referral through to discharge.
The physical and functional needs of the child are assessed to create an individual tailor-made programme to enable patients to achieve their maximum long-term potential and independence.
A state-of-the-art gymnasium forms the heart of the Rehabilitation Unit and is supported by well established acute children’s services within the hospital including diagnostic services, comprehensive surgical services and fast and easy access to paediatric consultants across all specialities.
The team of specialists ensure a consistent, co-ordinated approach to recovery and include:
Patient & Family: The most important members of the team.M
Consultant: The leading clinical specialists in the patient’s injury or illness.
Dietitian: Provides advice and education regarding the patient’s diet and nutritional needs.
Language Interpreter: Ensures effective communication and information exchange.
Neuropsychologist: Evaluates and treats neuropsychological impairment related to disability.
Occupational Therapist: Therapeutic use of goal directed activities to facilitate independence in daily life tasks and roles. This may include school and/or home environment visits.
Paediatric Intensivist: Physician who specialises in the care of critically ill children
Physiotherapist: Provides skilled re-education to improve movement and activity through exercise and practice, to reach each person’s maximum potential.
Play Specialist: Provide emotional and developmental support to children creating a friendly environment and a sense of normality through play.
Rehabilitation Advisor: Available for pre and post admission assessment.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Provides support, assistance and education to facilitate the patient and their family in adapting to disability.
Resident Medical Officer: Delivers 24 hour medical cover, 365 days of the year.
Speech & Language Therapist: Provides assessment and treatment for people with communication, voice or swallowing difficulties.
For further information please click here or call 020 7586 2462 / 020 7483 5363
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Allergies
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An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a particular substance. The body's immune system treats the substance (called an allergen) as an invader and reacts inappropriately, resulting in symptoms that can be anywhere from annoying to possibly harmful to the person.
Symptoms seem to range from a slight sniffle to potentially lethal anaphylaxis. With such a wide range of culprit triggers – dust animals, pollen, dairy products and wheat to name just a few.
Allergic disease has increased dramatically over the past few years and now affects an incredible 40% of British children.
The Portland Hospital recognises how important it is to diagnose and manage allergies effectively and therefore has a comprehensive team of Consultant Paediatric Allergy Specialists together with access to the most up to date diagnostic tests.
Common allergic conditions treated at The Portland Hospital include:
- Food allergy
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- GI allergy
- Animal allergy
- Product allergy
- Severe reactions to insect stings
- Reactions to medication
- Hay fever
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Audiology
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As a specialist children's hospital, we are proud to be able to offer a premier team of doctors, audiologists and therapists to help children with hearing problems.
We provide newborn babies with hearing tests as recommended by the National Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP). We also carry out hearing investigations on children under the care of the hospital’s paediatricians, ENT surgeons and paediatric audiological physicians.
We investigate, diagnose and treat:
- Conductive hearing loss: hearing loss caused by sound not being able to pass freely to the inner ear, usually as a result of a blockage.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: hearing loss that can be the result of damage to the hair cells within the cochlea (the part of the inner ear which enables us to hear) or the hearing nerve, or both.
- Balance problems: these can be caused by inner-ear problems.
- Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD): a condition where children can’t process the information they hear in the same way as others because their ears and brain don’t fully co-ordinate.
For further information please visit http://www.theportlandhospital.com/hearing.asp or contact our Audiology Department on 020 7390 6573
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Cochlear implants
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For children who are profoundly deaf, a cochlear implant – an electronic device that is surgically implanted in the ear - offers the chance to hear.
The Portland Hospital’s Cochlear Implant Programme has been synonymous with many successful stories during the past decade.
Many profoundly deaf children from the UK and all over the world have been implanted under the care of our Cochlear Implant Team with amazing results in their performance. To share the experience of one of our most successful implant users go to: http://blog.theportlandhospital.com/children/avas-story
Our team also has expertise in assessing children for whom English is not the first language, atypical cochlear implant candidates, children who have lost their language skills or never developed language skills as a result of deafness and designing rehabilitation packages.
We liaise with ENT Consultants as well as local rehabilitation services such as Christopher Place School and Auditory-Verbal UK. Specialised packages of care can be funded by a variety of sources, including insurance companies, embassies, and occasionally, Primary Care Trusts.
A cochlear implant is not the answer to every hearing problem, but can drastically improve the quality of life for many people with hearing impairment.
For further information please visit http://www.theportlandhospital.com/hearing-conditions.asp or contact our Audiology Department on 020 7390 6573
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Dermatology
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Our team of dermatologists take care of babies and children with all types of skin disease or cosmetic problems of the skin, scalp, hair or nails. In a typical week they might diagnose and treat children with problem birthmarks, complex vascular malformations, eczema, psoriasis, and common disorders of pigmentation.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
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Ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions are very common in children but many need no treatment at all. Some just require medication or simple surgical procedures to alleviate the symptoms.
Common ENT conditions that we treat at The Portland Hospital include the following:
- Tonsil problems – Recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnoea are two common tonsil problems in children. If tonsillitis recurs between three and five imes a year leading to time off school, doctors may advise the tonsils be removed – a short procedure known as a tonsillectomy.
- Blocked noses – Children with blocked noses who breathe through their mouth generally need no treatment. However, if the symptoms impact on their everyday activities and sleep, medical treatment is advised. This starts with nose sprays and, if symptoms continue, doctors may recommend removing the tonsils, adenoids or both. Babies may require nasal suction to remove the blockage.
- Glue ear – This is the build up of thick, mucus-like fluid behind the ear drum and can be painful. It is often temporary and can be easily treated.
- Middle ear infections – Three quarters of children will have a middle-ear infection – also known as an otitis media – before the age of three. For most children, these are mild and will resolve themselves. If infections recur, antibiotics may be prescribed or doctors may advise removing the adenoids or putting ventilation tubes in the ear known as grommets.
- Cysts – Thyroglossal cysts are quite common lumps in the front of the neck and range from a pea to a tangerine in size. Surgery is required to remove them.
Less common conditions treated at the hospital are:
- Subglottic stenosis – This is a narrowing in the voice box and is usually caused by a premature baby being intubated. However, some children are simply born with the narrowing. Surgery is required to by-pass the obstruction and expand the narrowing.
- Nasal dermoids – These are skin-lined cysts that occur around the nose and require surgery to be removed.
Whatever your child’s problem, call us on 020 7390 8020 to find one of the country’s leading specialists in ear, nose and throat medicine for children.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Endocrinology
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The Portland's paediatric endocrinologists treat children with a variety of physical growth and puberty development disorders, as well as diabetes and other disorders of the endocrine glands including adrenal, thyroid and pituitary problems.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Gastroenterology
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Gastroenterology relates to disorders of the digestive system. Anywhere in the digestive system can be affected – from the oesophagus and stomach to the small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
The gastroenterology department at the Portland Hospital provides consultations and treatments for children with a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases.
Disorders include:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux – a common disorder where stomach acid travels back up the oesophagus causing heartburn, nausea and a feeling of regurgitation. It is common in infants and also in older children. There may also be an allergic component to this problem, often to dairy protein.
- Peptic-ulcers – sores on the lining of the stomach or start of the intestine, commonly caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
- Giardia – a type of gastro-enteritis, or inflammation of the intestines, caused by an infection with the parasite Giardia lamblia.
- Coeliac disease – an inflammatory condition of the small intestine caused by a person’s intolerance to gluten, which is in cereals. Symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation, weight loss, failure to gain weight, anaemia, fatigue and mouth ulcers, and is diagnosed by an endoscopy. A life-long gluten free diet is needed.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis) – inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract in Crohn’s disease can be anywhere from the mouth to the bottom. With Ulcerative Colitis it usually just involves the colon or the large bowel.
- Constipation – a significant problem in childhood which needs treatment that is effective and age appropriate. Occasionally it can be caused by underlying conditions like a nerve supply problem to the bottom or anus which is called Hirschsprung’s disease and is diagnosed by biopsy. Very occasionally low thyroid function and calcium disturbance can cause constipation but this is unusual.
- Recurrent abdominal pain – a common condition which occurs in all age groups and has many different origins.
Other conditions treated include feeding disorders, faltering growth, allergic gut problems, toddler's diarrhoea, lactose intolerance, sucrose intolerance, gut infections, recurrent abdominal pain, nutritional problems, gut blood loss and anaemia, bacterial overgrowth, anal fissures, infant colic and common liver and pancreatic problems.
Children experiencing gastro-intestinal problems may need a number of investigations. These include blood tests, breath tests for sugar intolerances, faeces tests and sometimes children will need an endoscopy to diagnose the condition. This involves a long, flexible tube which takes video and is inserted via the mouth or anus. Tiny pieces of tissue, called biopsies, are taken during this procedure which are harmless and can give much more information than just a visual assessment.
Treatments offered at the Portland Hospital include:
- Upper GI endoscopy – a test to look at the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the intestine.
- Ileo-colonoscopy – a test to look at the bowel and colon.
- Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy – where a tube is inserted into the stomach through the abdominal wall to help with feeding.
- Polypectomy – removal of benign growths usually from the colon.
- Oesophageal Dilatation – a technique used to stretch or open a blocked portion of the oesophagus.
- Wireless Capsule Endoscopy – a capsule containing a small camera which is swallowed, allowing the camera to take pictures of the digestive system.
- Endoscopic anti-reflux procedures – these can be used instead of surgery to help with reflux.
- Enteroscopy - a technique to look at as much of the small bowel as possible by endoscopy, again to avoid an operation.
- Video-fluoroscopy – an X-ray that looks at the way swallowing works.
- Abdominal ultrasound – a scan to look at structures such as the pancreas, the gall bladder, the kidneys and liver.
- CT and MRI scans – scans to look at the bowel, liver and pancreas.
- Barium swallows and meals – a less commonly used procedure now to look at the bowel, but still offered.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- General medical paediatrics
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Our 15-strong team of consultant paediatricians offer two levels of care: the assessment and management of acutely unwell children within the hospital, and an outpatient service for those children who require general paediatric consultations. They also provide a comprehensive baby assessment for all 2,500 babies born at The Portland every year.
#For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- General surgical paediatrics
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The team of general paediatric surgeons at The Portland carry out surgical reviews for all conditions from common appendicitis to complex neonatal surgery and, more recently, obesity.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Hand Surgery
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Hand Surgery may be necessary if a child has an accident or if they have been born with a congenital anomaly to their hand. Here at The Portland we are fortunate to have a specialist clinic that caters for children of all ages. Our team of consultant hand surgeons bring world renowned expertise in the field of paediatric hand surgery and treat a wide range of conditions ranging from syndactyly, polydactyly and hypoplastic thumb to radial club-hand.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Neurology
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Our team of neurologists and neurosurgeons investigate, diagnose and treat neurological conditions in children, ranging from behavioural syndromes and headache disorders including migraine, epilepsy and sleep disorders to traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Ophthalmology
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In our ophthalmology department our team of specialist paediatric ophthalmologists are on hand to help children with all eye conditions using the very latest diagnostic equipment and techniques, not to mention medicines available. The most common surgical conditions we treat include squints and clearance of occluded ducts.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Orthopaedics
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Our world-renowned paediatric orthopaedic surgeons treat a wide variety of conditions from common problems such as flat feet, fractures, curly toes, clubfoot and congenital hip problems, through to complex leg-lengthening procedures. They are supported by a team of specialist nurses, physiotherapists and orthotists and work closely with rheumatology and neurology colleagues to ensure a fully integrated assessment and treatment approach.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020
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- Pharmacy Department
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Our in-house pharmacy provides specialist paediatric skills for the often complex needs of our children on the ward and the large number of outpatients who visit daily.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
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Specialist areas of expertise include craniofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, bat ear correction, vascular anomalies and birthmarks. The team works closely with orthopaedic colleagues to reconstruct children with complex limb problems caused by disease or trauma and is supported by specialist paediatric nurses, hand therapists, physiotherapists and play therapists
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Respiratory
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The respiratory department here at The Portland cares for children with respiratory diseases including asthma, acute and chronic respiratory infections, chronic ventilator dependency and broncho¬pulmonary dysplasia. Our consultants and their teams have special expertise in babies and children with respiratory conditions including sleep apnoea, sleep-disordered breathing, as well as respiratory muscle weakness and paralysis.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Rheumatology
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Accurate diagnosis and early intervention to treat rheumatic disease in childhood can minimise short and long-term disability linked to common conditions including systemic lupus, erythematosus, dermatomyositis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
Our team of paediatric rheumatologists specialise in providing comprehensive care to children with rheumatologic diseases, and advice and support to their families. They are supported by clinical nurse specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and psychologists (some of whom are based at Great Ormond Street Hospital). Our team is highly skilled in providing different diagnoses, diagnostic interventions and cutting-edge therapy – and renowned for achieving favourable outcomes in terms of both the control of rheumatic diseases and prevention of disability.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Spinal Surgery
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Our highly-skilled spinal surgeons, support by clinical nurse specialists, specialist paediatric nurses physiotherapists and play specialists, provide a comprehensive assessment and surgical opinion service for all
spinal-related conditions including common childhood deformities such as scoliosis. Thanks to the team’s excellent reputation, children, their families and their doctors from all over the world regularly choose The Portland when seeking treatment for complex spinal conditions.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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- Urology
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Our paediatric urologists provide a specialist service for the diagnosis and management of children with urological disorders. Commonly seen disorders range from urinary incontinence, circumcisions, undescended testis, hydrocoele, varicocoele and urinary tract stones or infections through to major surgical reconstruction of the bladder.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please contact our Children's Enquiry Line on 020 7390 8020.
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For further information on the services offered, please contact the Children's Outpatients department on 020 7390 6504 or contact the office of a relevant Consultant specialist to book an initial appointment.
