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. 

Children over 5yrs should be referred to the Developmental Paediatricians based with Children and Family Health Surrey via their One Stop service. Access their One Stop service here.

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