Local Service Provision

The GP has limited diagnostic abilities and will either refer as an emergency or non-emergency to either a local hospital or specialist, this will be dependent on the child’s condition at the time of examination.

Most local hospitals (see HOSPITALS section) have something called a PEC. A Paediatrician with an interest in Cardiology. These Paediatrician’s maybe be general paediatricians or neonatologists but they all have an interest, training and expertise in cardiology. These PECs run clinics in local hospitals where they can use a diagnostic tool called an echocardiogram to examine the heart for a congenital heart conditions. Additionally a number of local hospitals have a visiting cardiologist from one of the 2 specialist centres that do clinics with the PECs, perform echocardiograms and review patients. If referred to a local hospital one or both of these professionals may see and plan a child’s care.

If referred to a local hospital urgently then he child will be seen in the A&E department and reviewed by the on duty medical staff. Appropriate diagnostic tools will be used and advice sought from either the PEC (if available) or from one of the specialist centre). An appropriate care plan will then be tailored to the patient.

If a patient presents at a specialist centre then the A&E staff will examine and diagnose and if appropriate seek advice from the cardiologists on site. An appropriate treatment plan will then be decided upon.

The majority of paediatirc congenital heart surgery and interventions will occur in Alder hey Childrens Hospital for patients in the North West, North Wales and the Isle of Man.

Follow-up and routine care can be provided at the specialist centres or in local hospitals. Care can be provided by either or both the local PECs or visiting cardiologists. One of the main purposes of the congenital heart network is to ensure quality of care across hospitals with appropriate protocols and guidelines and excellent communication routes.