Two of our little patients shared a special journey with the Heart Centre and became best friends after their third heart operation each.  They shared their story with the Daily Telegraph this weekend. The boys are united in their dislike of blood tests and joke about hiding from the nurses. "We did blood tests today," Rijen said, pointing to the Wiggles Band-Aids on his arms. "It didn't work, so we had to do it here; and then a finger prick. It goes all the way inside. It hurts. Sometimes I'm brave." As a reward for being so brave, the boys earn a "heart bead" for each procedure. They now have mighty necklaces. The black beads represent lousy days, yellow the good days that are special to the parents, who are so grateful for the work of hospital staff. They are all like family now. To view the full article click here ...

Thanks to the incredible efforts of Debbie Kladis, Charlie Garcia and the team at Wishing Hearts, who organised a huge gala dinner in August 2012, we were able to purchase a Radio Frequency Perforator which will allow us to treat more children with catheterisation (keyhole surgery) rather than open heart surgery.  Dr Phil Roberts, Lead Interventional Cardiologist at the Heart Centre for Children, was delighted to receive the new piece of equipment in November and has had several cases where the device has been used already.

Penrith Panthers visit the Heart Centre for Children   14 December 2012

At the Wishing Hearts and Mates on a Mission gala dinner earlier in 2012, kind-hearted donors bought and named teddy bears to be given to the kids at the Heart Centre for Children and The Children's Hospital at Westmead.  The Penrith Panthers came for a visit to help distribute these little bundles of joy around the wards and departments on 13 December.  We would like to thank them for taking the time to speak to many of our young patients, including some Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm supporters.  It brought smiles to many faces, just in time for Christmas.  Thanks guys! Click here to view more photos Click here for more information about the gala dinner.    ...

Thank you to the quilt club who got together and made an incredible heart quilt that was raffled off in late 2012.  Over $1,000 was raised and put towards research into congenital heart disease.  Thank you for making such a difference, ladies!

Heart Centre team named 'Perfusion Unit of the Year 2012 Each year, perfusionists from Australia, New Zealand and beyond gather for their Annual Scientific Meeting. This year the 29th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australia and New Zealand College of Perfusionists got together at the iconic Australian landmark, Uluru. This conference incorporated active participation and knowledge from many professional disciplines involved both directly and indirectly in the provision of cardiac surgery and extra-corporeal circulation for both adults and children.  This year’s program involved presentations from perfusionists, cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anaesthetists, researchers and academics.   The scientific program included input from three leading international speakers who delivered landmark lectures on subjects pertaining to techniques and technologies surrounding the provision of cardiopulmonary bypass.  In addition to the three la...