What does this service provide?

Who we are

We are a multi-disciplinary team consisting of a consultant paediatrician in neurodisability, lead clinician for the Spinal Clinic, a specialist physiotherapist, clinic assistant and radiographer. We also work with a specialist from the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London.

Multi-disciplinary team: A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is a group of health and care staff who are members of different organisations and professions (e.g. GPs, social workers, nurses), that work together to make decisions regarding the treatment of individual patients and service users. MDTs are used in both health and care settings. 

What we do

We look at the causes for the changes in shape in your spinal curve. We also look at what you may need to do to keep your spine straight, to maintain your activities and lifestyle, and to ease pain and sit in a comfortable way.

We are experienced in the different causes of spinal curves and scoliosis and can provide support and advice on the different options available to you, such as visiting an orthopaedic surgeon and referral to an experienced spinal surgeon.

Appointment information

Appointment types

Your appointment will be face to face, in our outpatient room at Chailey Clinical Services. When you arrive, our receptionist will check that we have your correct details and show you where to wait for your appointment. The clinic assistant will meet you and take you to the clinic room.

Your first appointment will be up to 30 minutes. Any follow-up appointments take approximately 20 minutes. If an x-ray is required before your appointment, this may take another 10 to 20 minutes (x-ray facilities are on site).

After an initial introduction, any relevant medical history will be taken and then our team will look at your spinal curve while you are sitting and standing (if appropriate). The spinal curve will be viewed on X-ray, measured, and compared to any previous X-rays.

The effectiveness of your current seating system will be discussed. The team will be able to refer you to Chailey Clinical Services Posture Clinic or to your local Wheelchair Service as appropriate.

The team will review or refer you for a spinal support/jacket (Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis: TLSO). The TLSO's are custom made for each individual to a very high standard. The casting for the TLSO is onsite and the follow-up appointments are either at Chailey Clinical Services or in Lewes at the John Florence Orthotic workshop.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns with a specialist consultant and physiotherapist, who will look at the causes for any changes in the shape of your spinal curve, will listen to you and answer your questions.

All discussions are held in confidence and your personal dignity will be respected at all times during your consultation and examination.

A report will be sent to you within 4 weeks of the appointment, documenting the discussions and decisions made. Your referrer, physiotherapist and GP will also receive a copy for their records. If other professionals need a copy of the report, please let us know.

If you have any queries once you receive your report, please contact the clinic secretary who will be happy to answer them.

Who you'll see at your appointment

During your appointment, you will meet the following people:

  • a consultant paediatrician in neurodisability and lead clinician for the Spinal Clinic.
  • a specialist physiotherapist
  • the clinic assistant
  • a radiographer

And/or:

  • a specialist spinal surgeon visiting from the Evelina Children's Hospital, London

What to bring to the clinic?

If you use a Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) or a wheelchair, please bring these with you. It would also be useful to bring your ‘Child Health Record', if available. We will also ask you the name of your paediatrician, your physiotherapist and if you see an orthopaedic surgeon.

How can I access this service?

Referrals can be made by your paediatrician, GP, orthopaedic surgeon, or physiotherapist. You will be allocated to one of our two clinic teams, depending on your presenting clinical issues. The two teams are:

  • a team led by a paediatrician
  • a team led by a spinal surgeon

We accept referrals from any area but if your GP is located outside of Sussex we will require funding to be obtained before acceptance.

Where can I access this service?

Contact details
Telephone: 01825 722 112
Where to find us
Address: Chailey Clinical Services, Beggers Wood Road, Chailey, BN8 4JN

You can find us using the what3words address snippet below on the what3words website:

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Alternatively, use the Google map below to get directions and plan your journey:

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Opening hours

Chailey Clinical Services Spinal appointments are held twice a month and can be a full day clinic or half day clinic.

More detailed information about the date, time and location of your appointment can be found on your appointment letter.

Waiting times

You will receive a letter notifying you of the outcome of your referral.

For those accepted, we aim to see all new referrals within 18 weeks

Let's get social

You can also get involved by engaging with our service's social media accounts by helping with the latest fundraisers and events.

Get the best from your NHS

If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).

Contact details

You can contact PALS by the following:

Telephone: 01273 242 292

Give feedback

Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.

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