Treatment of children
The paediatric (children’s) laser service is now based at Bristol Children’s Hospital, which has a vascular laser for the treatment of port wine stain birthmarks and other skin conditions. The service is run by the paediatric dermatology department under the leadership of Dr Lindsay Shaw, Consultant Paediatric Dermatologist. Dr Daniel Keith, Consultant Dermatologist and Laser Specialist at Southmead Hospital, holds clinics at Bristol Children’s Hospital three times a month and provides the majority of the laser treatments.
Referrals & Funding of Children
NHS funding
Laser treatment for birthmarks in children (under 18) is funded by NHS England. A referral will be required from your GP or hospital specialist but an individual funding application is not needed. NHS referrals for children should be sent to Dr Lindsay Shaw, Consultant Dermatologist, Bristol Children’s Hospital or via the electronic referral system.
Self-funding
If it is not possible to get NHS funding you can choose to pay for your child’s treatment. For further information, contact the Bristol Laser Centre. We require a referral letter from your GP for all patients under 16, even if you are self-funding the treatment.
If you have any questions about laser treatment for children please contact the laser centre on 0117 4141212 or contact the Bristol Laser Centre.