Training and education is integral to the role of the Network. This is aimed at all health professionals with an interest in paediatric cardiology and ACHD.The Network is in the process of developing an Annual Training Plan to formalise the training and education strategy. The Network’s Education Task and Finish Group brings together nurses, medical staff and AHPs to assist with the development of this strategy.
The following training and educational sessions are designed for nurses, medical staff, and allied health professionals (AHPs). Whether you’re a specialist or a non-specialist, we have tailored learning opportunities to support your professional development.
Regular Training and Education for Healthcare Professionals
Who is it for? Nurses, medical staff, or AHPs.
When: Every Thursday, 12:45–13:45.
Where: Institute in the Park at Alder Hey Children’s hospital, Liverpool (in-person) or on Zoom.
Details: Discussions regarding interesting CHD cases, an insight into cardiac catheterisation and congenital cardiac surgery. Featured presenters are from not only Alder Hey Children's Hospital but also colleagues from around the UK, Europe and internationally. Sessions are recorded and available for later viewing if registered.
Register: Sign up here.
Who is it for?: Nurses, medical staff, or AHPs
When: Wednesdays, 08:45–09:45.
Where: Teams or face-to-face.
Details: Weekly academic programme encompassing the full spectrum of congenital heart disease, from fetal to adult life. Topics range from medical and surgical management of CHD to fetal cardiology, ACHD and journal club. Meetings are recorded.
Contact: Email Raul Correia (Clinical Fellow, Cardiac Surgery, Alder Hey) to be added to the invite list - Raul.Correia@alderhey.nhs.uk
Who is it for?: Non-specialist healthcare professionals.
Details: Aimed at improving understanding, identification, and management of congenital heart disease across the lifespan.
Modules:
- An introduction to Congenital Heart disease
- An introduction to the Neonate or Infant with Congenital Heart Disease
- Acute Presentations in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Access: Free on NHS Learning Hub
Who is it for?: Non-specialist healthcare professionals
When: Every 8 weeks on Thursdays, 09:30–10:30.
Where: Virtual via Teams.
Details: A recurring talk delivered by Linda Griffiths, Lead Nurse, NW CHD Network with the aim of raising awareness of ACHD across all NHS services and how and when to contact the specialist team for advice.
There is no need to register just use the joining link: Click here to join the meeting
If you require any further information please email northwestchdnetwork@alderhey.nhs.uk
Who is it for?: Healthcare professionals.
What: A 20-credit Masters-level CPD on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, hosted by Liverpool John Moores University in conjunction with the NW CHD Network.
When: Annually
Details and Application: Learn more and apply here. CPD Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Care of the patient through their lifespan | CPD course | Liverpool John Moores University
Who is it for?: Healthcare professionals worldwide involved in paediatric and congenital heart disease care.
What does it provide?: Monthly webinars offering global education.
Details: Visit the World University for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery for more information.World University for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery.
What it offers: A virtual library and online classroom featuring evidence-based educational materials for healthcare providers specialising in paediatric and adult congenital cardiology.
Details: Access a wealth of resources to deepen your expertise and support your practice.
Access: Heart University - Homepage
What it offers: The app shows anatomically accurate images of congenital heart defects and repairs of those defects. This can be used by families and professionals.
Access: Heartpedia Mobile App
There are further resources provided by third sector organisations and heart charities.
Please visit our Resources section of the website.
Past educational and networking events hosted by the Network
The Network has organised a variety of education and training events, bringing together professionals from across our community. These in-person gatherings have served as valuable platforms for professional development, learning and networking opportunities.
56 participants attended, including cardiac nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs). The event covered key topics, including simple and complex congenital defects, endocarditis, cyanosis, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Patient stories and practical applications were central to the day.
This study day, held in April 2024, welcomed 54 delegates, primarily paediatric nurses and allied health professionals. The day featured engaging discussions, audience participation, and stands from Little Hearts Matter and the team behind the Little Hearts at Home app.
Co-hosted by the Network and the North West Paediatric ICC team. The ICC study day welcomed 57 delegates, including PECs, medical staff, cardiac physiologists, and nurses. The event emphasised learning through case studies, which means no presentation slides are available for distribution. However, the programme of the day can be reviewed here.
In September 2024, 58 delegates from nursing, medical, and allied health professional backgrounds attended the TGA study day. The event focused on the care of TGA patients, from antenatal diagnosis to adulthood. A particular highlight of the day was a powerful talk by an adult with lived experience of TGA.
Additional training and education
The Network provides support for a rolling programme of Sonographer training events:
Tiny Tickers is a small charity whose focus is on improving the detection, care and treatment of babies with serious heart conditions. Training resources can be found at Training Resources – Tiny Tickers, this area of their website includes training videos and information regarding webinars.
Tiny Tickers are engaged in a programme of sonographer training which aims to improve detection rates of CHD, this is supported by the NW CHD Network. Please click on this link for further information: Training services – Tiny Tickers
The most recent training event was facilitated by the Network, this being the 5th sonographer day and was held in collaboration with St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester. These events are planned to run twice a year and alternate between St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital
Network supported training opportunities
The Network has supported staff with funding for various training and education opportunities in 2024 and 2025 including:
7th European Transoesophageal Echocardiography Course on Congenital Heart Disease
London 2024
Representative: Cardiac physiologist
BCCA (British Congenital Cardiac Association) Annual Conference
Dublin, 2024
Representatives: 7 cardiac nurses from Band 5 to Band 8a
AEPC (Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology)
Porto, 2024
Representatives: Paediatric Cardiac Nurse Specialists
LJMU ACHD Master's Module
2024
Representative: Adult cardiac nurse
UK Maternal Cardiology Society Annual Conference
2024
Representative: ACHD Nurse Specialist
British Society Heart Failure Annual Meeting
2024
Representative: ACHD Nurse Specialist
Adult & Paediatric Cardiovascular Pathology, CRY
2024
Representative: Paediatric ICC Nurse Specialist
British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) Conference
2024
Representative: Cardiac Physiologist
UltraSound in the Fetal Cardiovascular Examination
27 January 2025
Representative: Fetal Cardiac Nurse Specialist
International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (BHRE)
2025
Representative: Cardiac Physiologist
AEPC Hamburg
2025
Representative: Paediatric ICC Nurse Specialist