What Support is Available

There is a lot of support available for patients and families.

Cardiac Nurse Specialists

We have a team of cardiac nurse specialists working across our Network. They are here to help and support you throughout your entire journey. They offer support from before a baby is born right through to old age. They are there at key points such as if you need an operation or a procedure, have been given a new diagnosis or new information that you need help to understand.  They are also available for the times in between as well. They support young people who are growing up with their heart problem and are ready to transfer their care to adults. They can help monitor your condition and work closely with the Cardiologists and other members of the team. They run helplines so that patients and families have easy access to information and support and can get hold of the team if they have any worries or concerns. You can contact the nurse specialists (Link to page 10)

Seeing patients quickly when needed

Did you know that our heart teams in Liverpool and Manchester are able to see people urgently if needed. There is always a Consultant Cardiologist on call to deal with emergencies. This includes covering a clinic designated for patients who are unwell and need an urgent appointment. They work closely with the nurses on the helplines so that patients can be seen quickly and they are available for any concerns that staff might have about a patient in a local clinic. 

Play assistants and play therapists

Play is an important part of helping children to cope with what is happening especially during a visit or stay in hospital. You will see play assistants out and about on the ward.  They are trained to keep children occupied whilst in hospital and have access to lots of toys, books and other activities appropriate to the age of the child. Play therapists are experts in distraction and helping children to prepare for key events like having an operation or a procedure. They can help if your child has developed a fear of something that is getting in the way of their treatment. The Cardiac nurse specialist can make a referral to the play specialist if required.

Clinical psychologists 

We understand the emotional impact of having a child with a heart problem. We also understand the impact that growing up with your heart problem can have on your mental well being too. We have clinical psychologists who work alongside our children’s and adult services to help people with significant psychological symptoms. Your Cardiologist or the Cardiac nurse specialists can refer you to see a clinical psychologist.

Learning disabilities

We recognise that some of our patients also have a learning disability. Our hospitals have learning disability liaison teams to help support families coming into the hospital and many of our wards have learning disability champions, many of whom are trained in using Makaton. If you have any worries or concerns about how we can support you or your loved ones – call the cardiac nurse specialists and have a chat about what reasonable adjustments need to be put in place. We also have our learning disability Forum who meet once a month. To learn more about this click here: Link to page 2.8

Your GP

Your GP is an important member of the team looking after you. They are often the constant when you have a chronic condition that lasts a lifetime. They are there to help with all of your medical problems including your heart. They are interested in keeping you healthy and preventing other illnesses. They will be responsible for giving you your vaccines and routine checks on your blood pressure etc.

Exercise Specialists

Adults will often be referred to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Especially after key events like after surgery or certain procedures. These are helpful to maximise your recovery and to give advice about becoming more healthy and active. In some circumstances you can be referred to the exercise physiologists to have a formal assessment of your exercise capacity and bespoke exercise prescription. They can offer one-to-one appointments to help people get more active and help to prevent problems from being inactive.  

Other charities and organisations

There are many local and national heart charities and other organisations that offer a wide variety of information and support. There are two main local charities. You can find more information about them here: Link to 9.1