Paediatric and Neonatal Clinical Psychology Services
The Paediatric and Neonatal Clinical Psychology Service (PNCPS) in the Northern Trust specialises in working with babies currently inpatient in Antrim Neonatal Unit (NNU), and with children, young people and their families living with Complex Physical Health Conditions, Diabetes and Epilepsy, who are under the care of a Paediatrician.
The service aims to help babies, children, young people, and their families to enhance their resilience in managing the challenges of their child’s condition or hospitalisation. We listen to your concerns and try to find a helpful way forward.
We can also help and support healthcare staff within the wider team; giving advice and helping them think about the broader psychological challenges that might be impacting on families.
How we can help
When a baby, child or young person has a health condition or is hospitalised, it can throw up many psychological challenges for a family. Families may choose to see a Paediatric Clinical Psychologist for a number of reasons. For example;
- Coping with stressful situations
- Adjusting to a diagnosis and developing coping strategies
- Managing the physical and emotional feelings related to medical procedures
- Dealing with the future
- Relationships with family and friends
- Dealing with uncertainty and bad news
- Managing caring for your child whilst also considering the needs of brothers and sisters
- Juggling the normal tasks of parenting alongside the challenges of a health condition
Who do we provide care to?
The PNCPS currently sees:
- Babies who are inpatient on Antrim NNU
- Children/Young People living with a diagnosis of diabetes or epilepsy, who are under the care of a Paediatrician
- Children/Young People living with complex physical health care needs
As we are a developing service, we currently do not offer a service outside of these clinical areas.
The service primarily works with babies, children and young people who live in the NHSCT, up to the age of 18 years at the time of referral, and their families. Some babies from outside the NHSCT area may be seen whilst they are inpatient on Antrim NNU.
We can meet with babies/children and families on the ward, in clinic or sometimes at their home depending on circumstances.
