Cleft Lip and Palate

This is a condition in which a child's lip and/or palate do not form properly before birth, leaving a gap in the palate and/or upper lip.

The Cleft Lip and Palate Specialist Team at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital support babies born in this area of the North West with this problem. Specialist health visitors give advice on feeding and the surgeons carry out repairs to the lip and palate when appropriate.

Many children develop good speech following repair to their palate. Those who do need help will be referred to the Salford Speech and Language Therapy Department - where therapy will be offered at a local clinic. The Salford Therapist will work closely with a Speech and Language Therapist from the Cleft Lip and Palate Specialist Team to provide coordinated help.

You can find further information, advice and support at the Cleft Lip and Palate Association at www.clapa.com