Genetic Conditions

The North Coast Area Genetics Service provides counselling to families as well as a consultative service to health practitioners.

Reasons why a person or family may seek genetic counselling include:

concerns about a disorder running in either side of the family, e.g. cancers, muscular problems, Huntington's Disease, mental retardation.
concerns about passing a condition on to children
concerns about a child who has a worrying disorder the origin of which may be known or unknown
multiple miscarriages
having a pregnancy when the parents are mid-30s or over
marrying a close relative
discussion of, or preparing for, prenatal testing
having a fetus/baby diagnosed with a problem during pregnancy
concerns about the effect of drugs, infections or other substances on a pregnancy
discussion of options for having children because of any of the above

The Genetics Service covers the whole Northern Rivers Area, through local appointments and / or by phone. The genetics counsellor provides information, support and counselling to families and their relatives, including crisis intervention and grief counselling as needed. Education and information about genetic conditions and support groups is also available to families, health professionals and the broader community. Families who have received genetic counselling away from this Area, and experience isolation on return home, are very welcome to contact the Genetics Service for ongoing support.

Referrals are required from a doctor, but families or health professionals can ring to enquire about the appropriateness of the Service to their concern. Regular Genetics Clinics are arranged by the Genetics Counsellor and are held in various parts of the Area with Clinical Geneticists visiting from Hunter Genetics Unit, Newcastle.

There is no cost to families for this Genetics Service, nor for testing arranged through this Service.

Postal Address: Genetics Counsellor, NCAHS, P O Box 419, Lismore 2480

Phone: (02) 6625 0111

Fax: (02) 6625 0102