How can I make an appointment to see Mr Clarke?

Telephone anytime between 09:00am to 17:00pm Monday to Friday on 020 3917 6926, send an email or fill in the form in the appointments page.

Do I have to fix an appointment during the fixed clinic times?

Ideally, and to guarantt​​​​​​ee a slot, this is best. However, if none of these are suitable then Mr Clarke will try to arrange an adhoc appointment outside the usual clinic times. Please contact Mr Clarke secretary on 020 3917 6926 to discuss alternatives.

Which hospital shall I book to see Mr Clarke?

This is entirely up to you and is usually dictated by the timing of clinic slots and proximity to your home. All hospitals offer the highest standard of surgical care for your child.

What will the consultation consist of?

Usually this takes the form of a meeting with you and your child in one of the dedicated clinic rooms at any of the hospital listed in the appointments page. Mr Clarke will go through any referral letter and ask questions about the problem your child is experiencing. An examination takes place if necessaray and any investigations, such as blood tests or x-rays, can be organised.

Which hospitals does Mr Clarke have clinics?

Mr Clarke currently has clinics at the following hospitals:

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
• The Cromwell Hospital
• The Harley Street Clinic
• Chiswich Diagnostic Centre

Once an operation has been decided, what then?

Mr Clarke will go through the procedure, explaining all steps as well as potential risks, which are rare. The procedure and anaesthetic are explained in details and you can co-ordinate your diary with Mr Clarke's secretary and find a suitable date.

Do we need any tests beforehand?

Usually not. The only test that some hosptials may ask of you is the MRSA screening. This bacteria is present in many of us, but is not usually a problem. However, if brought into a hospital setting, then older and immunocompromised patients are a greater risk of developin infection. A simple swab test from the nostril detects this and, if present, medication via nasal drops and shampoo is given.

What happens on the day of the operation?

Mr Clarke's team will contact you beforehand informing you you where and when to go to the hospital. An approximate operative time will be given, prioritising smaller infants to be first on the list. No milk or solid food is allowed for 6 hours before the approximate operation time, though water can be taken up to 2 hours beforedhand. This is to ensure an empty stomach when anaesthetic begins. You will meet the anaesthetist and Mr Clarke again on the day of the operation. They will go through the procedure and take written consent.

Can I speak to someone from the nursing or anaesthetic team beforehand?

If you want more information, then a member of the nursing team from your chosen hospital will call you to discuss. If you would like to make an appointment to talk with the anaesthetist before the operation, then discuss with Mr Clarke theam, though this is usually not necessary.

What happens in the anaesthetic room?

Parents always accompany their child to the anaesthetic room and, either inhalational method will be used to allow sleep, or a gentle injection into a drip will occur to start the anaesthetic. Once your child is asleep you will then leave the anaesthetic room.

What happens after the operation?

Once the procedure is finished, your child will be taken to the recovery room and will slowly wake. Once this is beginning, a member of the nursing team will bring you into the recovery room so your child is not aware you have been away. Mr Clarke will also talk to you after the operation.

How long will we have to stay in?

If it is a day case procedure, then 2 hours after the operation to fully recover is the average. If a short stay is planned, Mr Clarke will explain before the operation, as complex procedures have different recovery time.