Adolescent Medicine
In- and out-patient services for a variety of acute and chronic medical problems and/or psychiatric difficulties in adolescent aged patients (12-18 years inclusive).
Particular areas of expertise are management of eating disorders, psychosomatic illness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and management of adolescent developmental issues.A Day Program is also available for young people with an eating disorder. This provides more psychological support than can be provided by either outpatient services or a medical inpatient stay, but less intense physical support than the latter . Patients with mental health issues are co-managed with the Adolescent Psychiatric In-patient Unit (Stepping Stones), hospital consultation liaison psychiatric team and local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
Historically, the Adolescent Unit was established by Associate Professor Caroline Clark, in 1991. It grew out of the recognition that adolescents, as a group, had particular needs and that these weren’t being addressed adequately. It has since grown into a multi-disciplinary team which includes 3 paediatricians with expertise in adolescent health, a nurse unit consultant, who coordinates the care of young people with eating disorders, unit dietitians who specialise in the management of Eating Disorders and an administrative assistant. The team is ably supported by the consultation liaison psychiatric team, a teacher, social work, art and music therapists and physiotherapy, as required. Adolescent Medicine also provides consultation in the management of patients admitted under other sub-specialty units who require a specialist approach for their adolescent needs.