Service detail

The Orthopaedic Psychological Support Service supports children, young people, adults, and families affected by the orthopaedic incident at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, and ongoing clinical review.

We provide emotional support to people who may have had difficult healthcare experiences. We listen with compassion and understanding, and support individuals and their families in a way that is sensitive to their needs and experiences.

Why has this service been set up?

You may be reading this because you, your child, or someone you care for, was affected by orthopaedic care provided at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH).

Independent reviews commissioned by CUH have found that, for some children and young people, the care they received fell below the standards that should have been expected. For many families, these events have caused harm to children and young people, with lasting emotional, psychological and practical consequences.

The Orthopaedic Psychological Support Service has been established in response to these events, to offer dedicated psychological support to children, young people and families who are finding the impact of this experience difficult to manage.

Our role is to listen, to understand how you and your family have been affected, and to work with you to think about what support might be helpful now.

Who the service is for?

This service is for children and young people of any age who have been affected, and for parents and carers, either on their own or together with their child. It is for families who are struggling, feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or whose experiences are continuing to affect everyday life.

How to access the service

You can make a self-referral by contacting the service on 01223 219700 or by e-mail at paediatricorthopaedicreferrals@cpft.nhs.uk  

A member of hospital staff can refer you with your agreement. Once a referral has been made, we will confirm that we have received it.

What happens after a referral?

After receiving your referral, we will arrange an initial conversation. This is a chance to talk about how things have been for you and your family, explore the impact of these experiences, and think together about what kind of support might be helpful.

What support might be offered?

Support may include psychological support or therapy for a child, young person, or their parents or carer, joint work with children and parents together, or help with coping and emotional recovery. Support can be offered face to face or remotely.

Other sources of support

Families may also benefit from support from GPs, schools or colleges, voluntary or community organisations, or national helplines and online resources. We can talk with you about what other support options might be helpful.

Our approach

We aim to work in a kind, compassionate, family-focused and collaborative way. We recognise how difficult it can be to ask for support, particularly following experiences that may have affected trust in healthcare.