Kernan Hospital is the location for the comprehensive Earl and Frances Clem Cleft Lip and Palate Program recognized by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. The diagnostic and treatment team is multidisciplinary and consists of the following disciplines:
A child born with cleft lip, cleft palate, or other craniofacial anomalies may be faced with multiple and complex problems. These problems include such issues as:
While the treatment process for children with these deformities can involve a lengthy treatment process, most children affected will become functioning and contributing members of society if a multidisciplinary team effectively treats them.
The team at Kernan is recognized as a Cleft Palate Team (CPT) by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The goal of the team is to insure that care is provided in a coordinated, consistent manner. All team evaluations and treatments should be sequenced according to the patientÂ’s overall development, medical and psychosocial needs. Interdisciplinary care is optimal if it continues shortly after birth and continues until the individual is physically full grown (usually by around 21 years of age).
This team meets from September through June on the 4th Tuesday of the month (in December, the clinic is held on the 2nd Tuesday). Team members include:
Associated Services: