We partner with the hospital to provide trained volunteers on the wards, cardiac antenatal classes, sibling workshops, and transition days for young people moving into adult care.

We also work hard to ensure that Evelina London can communicate changes to patients, families and the wider CHD community and that patient centred care is always considered.

We purchase equipment for the wards which is not funded by the NHS, and arts & crafts for children in hospital. In addition we provide a vital patient voice to help Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust shape its service for congenital heart disease. As an independent and critical friend to the Evelina cardiac teams we will campaign, challenge and work towards the best possible services and outcomes for ECHO members and the wider congenital heart community.

We also work hard to ensure that Evelina London can communicate changes to patients, families and the wider CHD community and that patient centred care is always considered.

The Evelina London Children’s Hospital was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, with children’s community services rated ‘Good’, in 2016. It is the only children’s hospital in England to have been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC to date. Community services rate in the top 33% of children’s community services nationally.

“Since taking on the Clinical Lead/Head of Service role for Paediatric & Fetal Cardiology, I have gained an increasing appreciation of the role played by ECHO in all facets of congenital heart care here at the Evelina London. As a Consultant here at the Evelina I have always relied heavily on ECHO as a point of contact and support organisation, particularly for families of patients who have just received a diagnosis of congenital heart disease. I have been impressed by the feedback I get from patients about their contact with ECHO in this very difficult time. ECHO is a strong partner in delivering high quality care directly to patients and families.”

Dr Owen Miller - FRACP, FCSANZ, FRCPCH Consultant in Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology, Head of Service/ Clinical Lead, Evelina Director of Specialist Networks & ECHO Patron