Velo-Cardio Facial Syndrome (VCFS)

VCFS is a common genetic condition resulting from the deletion of a small part of chromosome 22. It is characterized by typical facial appearance (facial) palate (velo) and heart (cardio) defects, learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties and a number of other features that may or may not be present. Individuals with VCFS have widely varying degrees of severity.

The Clinic

The VCFS clinic at Mater has been developed to support children and young people to the age of 18 and their families. The clinic is co-ordinated through Kids in Mind and involves professionals from other parts of Mater Children’s Hospital.

The children and young people who attend the clinic may already be supported by other teams within Mater Children’s Hospital, other hospitals and other health professionals. The VCFS Clinic has been established to assist families coordinate their child’s care between a number of health practitioners while also helping to reduce gaps in services where they exist.

The clinic has two primary aims:

• to provide coordination, clinical, and support services for children and their families
• to have a significant research role in Australia and with international experts.

Research

Families will have opportunities to be involved in research. This is to help gain a better understanding of Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome and its management. All information provided by participants will be confidential.

The Clinical Team

Members of the team include the following:

• developmental paediatrician, Dr Helen (Honey) Heussler
• child and adolescent psychiatrist, Assoc. Professor Brett McDermott
• psychologist
• speech pathologist
• occupational therapist
• clinical nurse
• audiologist
• physiotherapist
• social worker
• podiatrist

The team provides direct clinical services and co-ordinates services with other health providers as required, including physiotherapy and plastic surgeons.

Referrals

Referrals can be made by your GP or physician to:

Dr Helen (Honey) Heussler, Developmental Paediatrician
or
Assoc. Professor Brett McDermott, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
c/- VCFS Clinic Co-Ordinator
Kids In Mind Private
Level 5, Mater Private Campus
Annerley Road, South Brisbane 4101
Phone: +61 7 3163 6182

Confidentiality

All information is kept confidential within the service. Permission is required for staff to obtain information, or pass on information to others.

Contact

VCFS Clinic

The clinic runs on a Monday 8.30 am to 5 pm and closed on public holidays.

For more information about the clinic or to make an appointment please call the:

VCFS Clinic Co-Ordinator
Kids in Mind Private
Level 5, Mater Private Campus
41 Annerley Road
South Brisbane Qld 4101
Phone: +61 7 3163 6182 (Answering Machine)
Fax: +61 7 3163 1644

At other times for after hours help please contact your regular GP or the emergency department of your nearest hospital.

VCFS Foundation (Qld) Inc

The Clinic is supported by the VCFS Foundation Qld Inc.

If you would like more information about the VCFS Foundation please contact:

Executive Officer
VCFS Queensland
PO Box 8191
Wooloongabba Qld 4102
Email: katy.cassidy@vcfs.com.au
Web site: www.vcfs.com.au