The Children's Cardiac Nurse Specialists are experienced children’s nurses, who work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team to provide ongoing support to children and their families with a heart condition. They support children and their families throughout all stages of their journey. Including cardiac services from diagnosis, throughout childhood and into adolescence. They will support transfer to adult cardiac services in a process called “transition”.

When will you meet us?

Antenatally within fetal clinics at the Leicester Royal Infirmary

Within inpatient hospital settings such as the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit or wards

During outpatient or clinic appointments

In planning for transition to adult services

What does our service provide?

Support and advice throughout your cardiac journey

Preparation for any hospital admissions at surgical and pre-assessment clinics, where we take time to explain and answer any questions with age appropriate information

Education for your child and family about diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle and medication

Preparation for procedures such as Cardiac catheter or operations

We act as an advocate for you and your child, by supporting you in decision making and when having discussions with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.

Help with referrals to wider health care professionals such as community nurses, psychologists, dieticians, play specialists and cardiac support groups.

Anticoagulation (warfarin and INR) teaching and training

Support of “home monitoring” programme for patients

Help with discharge planning and follow up

Telephone advice for other health care professionals involved in your care in the community such as GP’s, health visitors, community nurses, school and nursery nurses.

Preparation and handover into adult cardiac services from 12 years of age.