Child Development Centre (CDC)

We see children when parents or professionals have concerns about a child’s development and/or a child shows challenging behaviour.

The Child Development Centre is a specialist team that provides an initial assessment and where indicated on-going investigation, treatment and support. 

  • Paediatric Developmental Clinics.
  • Multi-disciplinary Assessment for children with Social Communication difficulties (includes assessment by Paediatrician, Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Psychologist and involvement of the child’s nursery).
  • Referrals to Therapists, Portage, Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Support Services as appropriate.
  • We have very close links with the wider multidisciplinary team including professionals from health, education, social care and the voluntary sector. More complex children may have a large team around them requiring a “team around the child” approach.
  • Medical investigations where appropriate and liaison with other paediatric services.
  • Genetics Clinics.
  • Additional support appointments with team Psychologist.
  • Parent groups for parents/carers with children diagnosed with Autism.
  • Joint Orthopaedic Clinics.
  • Community Clinics. 

The Child Development Centre accepts referrals for Children under 5 years who have:

  • Motor difficulties.
  • Developmental concerns including global delay, motor, language, visual or severe hearing impairment.
  • Learning difficulties.
  • Behavioural difficulties.
  • Neurological concerns.
  • Social communication concerns and/or possible autism.

Children need to be registered with a GP from Guildford and Waverley CCG to be referred. Referral is by letter for community or other hospital services or the Electronic Referral System via the GP.

Medical Secretaries:
Clare Moynihan - clare.moynihan@nhs.net
Telephone: 01483 571 122 ext: 4635

Kamila Poddighe Jaworska - k.poddighejaworska@nhs.net
Telephone: 01483 571 122 ext: 2418

MDA Coordinator:
Liz Lewis – Liz.lewis8@nhs.net

We are located in our Guildford hospital: Outpatients 6, Children’s Unit, Level B, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford.

  • Dr Caroline Salmon – Consultant Paediatrician
  • De Carol Pletsch – Consultant Paediatrician
  • Dr Bozena Zoric – Locum Consultant Paediatrician
  • Dr Joanne Cockeram – Consultant Paediatrician
  • Dr Michael Hardo – Associate Specialist – Epilepsy and Pre-Term Developmental
  • Dr Louise Anderson – Associate Specialist -  Epilepsy, Complex Needs, Possible Seizure
  • Dr Amy Hammond – CDC Psychologist
  • Vicki Ward - Learning Disabilities & Autism Nurse – Children and Young People (CYP)
  • Stephanie Lawrance – Epilepsy Nurse
  • Dr Suzanne Alsters – Visiting Genetics Consultant