Children's cardiac clinic

If you have an appointment at the cardiac clinic in children's outpatients, please see our general information on what happens when we come in?

After booking you in, you will be directed to the clinic and asked to take a seat until your child's name is called. Before your child is seen by the doctor, you will have the opportunity to meet a children's nurse who will discuss with you what will happen during the clinic.

Your child will be weighed and measured and have a series of investigations which might include a chest x-ray, an ECG (an echocardiogram scan) and sometimes a blood test.

You may find it easier to dress your child in clothes that are easy to take on and off as your child will be required to get undressed several times.

You may not always have the opportunity to meet your child's consultant, but please be assured that they will always review the investigations with the doctors who carries them out.

We try to run our clinics as efficiently as possible, but sometimes there will be a wait due to the number of investigations each child needs. We appreciate your patience. There are toys and books to help entertain your child while they wait, and our play specialist is often on hand to help you prepare your child for any investigations he or she may need in the department or in the future.

New diagnosis

If your child is diagnosed with a heart condition, we will give you written information to take away including details of who you can contact in the hospital.

If you would like further information and support regarding your child's heart condition, please ask a member of staff to contact the cardiac specialist nurse.

Surgery

If you have an appointment to discuss planned surgery, you will meet the consultant surgeon who will perform the operation. If you require advice on how to prepare your child for surgery please discuss this with the children's nurse in clinic or ask to speak to our trained play specialist who can help you with this.  We can also arrange for you to visit ocean ward (E1) to discuss facilities and accommodation.

Cancellations

If you are unable to attend your appointment please contact us on 023 8120 6068 so that the appointment can be offered to another patient.