Nephrology service (children)

Nephrology is a branch of medicine that deals with the function and diseases of the kidney.

Our paediatric nephrology service includes a weekly children's renal clinic. We see young patients with a range of problems, including recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder which causes your body to excrete too much protein in your urine) and congenital kidney conditions.

Our service also looks after children with complex continence problems. We work with the specialist bladder and bowel nursing team, based at Franklyn House in Exeter.

More about us

Our team also works closely with specialist doctors from Bristol Children's Hospital, including a nephrologist (a doctor who specialises in kidney disorders) and a urologist (a doctor who specialises in disease of the urinary tract and the bladder in particular). Together, we care for children with more complex kidney and bladder problems, including those patients who have had a kidney transplant. We hold joint clinics at the RD&E every 3 months.

Our wider team includes support from an adult kidney specialist, specialist community nurses and dieticians.

We also worked closely with research groups throughout the country. We are trying to understand how some kidney conditions are caused and how best to treat them. You might be asked to take part in research trials during your time under our care.

Where to find us

Depending on your appointment, you may be seen at one of our main hospital sites, at a community hospital, or in a specific community setting. Some specialties and treatment options are based solely at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford), such as radiotherapy and some types of surgery.

 

Eastern services

RD&E Wonford, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX2 5DW.

  • Children's Outpatients, Area G.

Northern services

North Devon District Hospital, Raleigh Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4JB.

  • Children's Outpatient Department: Level 2
  • Caroline Thorpe Ward: Ladywell Unit, Level 2
  • Special Care Unit, Caroline Thorpe Ward, LadywellUnit, Level 2

Contact us

Eastern Services

  • Secretary: 01392 406 633

Northern Services

North Devon District Hospital 

Main switchboard on 01271 322577

Meet the team

Consultants

  • Dr Hannah Cottis - consultant paediatrician. Service lead.

Supporting you

Our service works with both Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the health psychology team based at the RD&E. There is also support available for specific patient groups. Please ask about this when you are seen in clinic.

More support

If you are feeling down, stressed or anxious about anything, there are a number of websites and apps that can provide information, advice, and support.

Devon SEND Local Offer

What is the SEND Local Offer?

Devon’s SEND Local Offer is the education, health and social care services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from birth to 25.

More information

Patient information leaflets

We produce a wide range of leaflets which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

We also produce these in different formats including large print, please contact the department you are visiting for more information.

Find out more

Useful videos

We have a wide range of videos which provide information about our services and about the treatment you might receive in our clinics or during your stay in hospital. 

Find out more

Last updated: November 15, 2022.