HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Children with both congenital and acquired anomalies of the face and skull do not have to travel to large cities to receive care. The Hoops Family Children’s Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) has created the Hoops Craniofacial Clinic with an experienced team dedicated to evaluating and treating these complex conditions in children and adolescents.

“Many conditions, such as cleft lip and palate, can be diagnosed before the baby is born,” said Peter Ray, MD, pediatric plastic surgeon and associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “We can work with the OB/GYN to begin preparing for these cases as soon as birth through adolescence to correct any abnormalities.”

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects in which the mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. This can include an opening in the lip, the roof of the mouth or both. If left untreated, the child can have difficulty speaking and feeding. Other issues, such as ear infections, hearing loss and dental problems, may also occur.

“Surgery restores normal function by closing the gaps,” Ray explained, “but it takes a team of experts working together to fully restore a child’s ability to speak and eat.”

Through the clinic, experts, such as speech therapists, dentists, neonatologists, pediatric plastic surgeons, otolaryngologists and nurse practitioners, work together as a team in one location to provide needed care without patients traveling to multiple locations.

“This model is best practice,” said Ray. “This clinic will be only one of a few in the entire state. Patients can get the best care, right here at home.”

For dates and times of the clinic or for more information, please call 304-691-8910 or visit www.hoopschildrens.org.