Craniofacial disorders are complex conditions affecting the soft tissues or bones of the face and/or the head. These include congenital conditions such as premature fusion of the skull sutures and other anomalies, or acquired conditions such as trauma or tumours. Abnormal growth patterns from all of these conditions may result in disfigurement and functional impairment.

The National Paediatric Craniofacial Centre is based in the Childrens University Hospital, Temple Street and provides treatment for children with cranial and facial deformities. It was founded in 1989 with the cooperation of the in-house plastic surgeon and the neurosurgical department of Beaumont Hospital. The number of conditions which are managed in this centre and complexities of treatment available has grown over the last number of years.

The needs of children with these conditions are very complex and requires an integrated team approach to care. The core craniofacial team comprises of :

Consultant Craniofacial & Plastic Surgeon

Consultant Neurosurgeon(s),

Craniofacial Nurse Specialist

Anaesthetists

Radiologists

Ophthalmic surgeon

ENT surgeons

Orthodontist.

The Craniofacial team work closely with

Geneticists

Paediatrician/Neonatologists,

Audiologist

Social worker

Psychologist

Speech & Language Therapist

Physiotherapist

Occupational Therapist

Clinical Photographer

The service is coordinated by the Craniofacial Clinical Services Co-ordinator with the support of an administrative assistant. Patient & family support is an integral part of service delivery.