General Genetics: 0151 252 5238

Cancer Services: 0151 252 5606

Department Fax: 0151 252 5951

Service Manger: Ms Jacqui Flynn
Tel: 0151 252 5605

Postal Address and address for referrals:
Clinical Genetics
Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital
Alder Hey
Eaton Road
Liverpool
L12 2AP

The Merseyside and Cheshire Clinical Genetics Service is primarily involved with the diagnosis and genetic counselling of families with possible or known inherited disorders. The service is now a newly formed Directorate of the Liverpool Woman's Hospital Trust. The Clinical Genetics section of the service is currently located at Alder Hey Hospital. Many clinics are, however, held off site (see map) and the department holds its own confidential family files. The hospitals and trusts served by the service are listed (on map page). The definition of the genetic counselling process is:

"Genetic counselling is a communication process which deals with the human problems associated with the occurrence, or risk of a genetic disorder within the family. This process involves an attempt by one or more appropriately trained professionals to help the individual or family;

• To comprehend the medical facts, including diagnosis, the probable course of the disorder, and the available management.
  
  
• To appreciate the way heredity contributes to the disorder and the risk of recurrence in specified relatives,
  
  
• To understand the options available,
  
  
• To choose the course of action which seems appropriate to them in view of the risk and family goals and act in accordance with that decision,
  
  
• And to make the best possible adjustment to the disorder in the affected family member and/or risk of recurrence.