Posted in Patients

Parents often ask us where they can find patient stories and resources to help their children to understand what is happening, so for the past year we have been working on some books that follow the journey of a patient at the Heart Centre for Children.  With the amazing work that Karen Weir from the Child Life Therapy department at The Children's Hospital at Westmead has done, combined with the generosity of young Ellis and his parents, Rick and Maria Vermunt who allowed us to photograph and write about Ellis' journey, we have made two such books at long last. 'My Visit to the Pre-Admission Clinic' follows Ellis as he comes in for his pre-surgery check-ups, including a blood test and meeting with an anaesthetist.  'My Heart Operation' follows him on his day of surgery, from being admitted to going to sleep just outside the operating theatre and what happens when he wakes up again. Thanks to Rick and Maria we have eight copies of each ava...

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 ...