Here at ECHO we know that many families are worried about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it may potentially affect you and your children
The current situation is rapidly evolving, and we are taking care not to provide conflicting or confusing information. We are currently following the advice set out on the NHS website and the UK Government as it is updated with the latest information and recommendations. We are in regular contact with Evelina London and other charities – as soon as we have any updated information we will share it on this page.
The BCCA have published updated guidance for patients about the COVID 19 vaccination in children and young people aged 5-17 with a summary of JCVI advice:
The BCCA have published updated guidance for patients about the COVID 19 vaccination in children and young people with a summary of JCVI advice:
The BCCA have published updated guidance for patients about the COVID 19 vaccination in children and young people with Congenital Heart Disease. Read the full statement here.
The BCCA have published guidance for patients on Myocarditis and Pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination in children and young people. Read the full guidance here.
The BCCA have published advice for patients about the COVID 19 vaccination in 12-15 year olds with Congenital Heart Disease. Read the full advice here.
The British Cardiac Congenital Association have given some clarity around children’s vaccines, in response to newly published guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Read the ECHO update here.
The BCCA has published updated guidance for COVID-19 immunisation, in the context of congenital heart disease. Read the full guidance here.
Evelina London is keen for all patient families to understand that you are still allowed to attend appointments and procedures during lockdown. If your child has been invited for a face-to-face appointment or procedure it is really important that you still attend. Please note, only one parent or carer can attend the appointment with your child. You can find more information from Evelina London here.
The BCCA has published updated guidance in light of national lockdown for England. This information was published on 11 November 2020 and can be found on the BCCA website here.
The BCCA (British Congenital Cardiac Association) has published updated guidance for patients and parents about returning to work and education. This information was published on 2nd September 2020 and can be found on the BCCA website here.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has published guidance on shielding for children and young people. This information was updated on 10 June 2020 and is available on the RCPCH website here.
If you are staying at or near Evelina London below is an up-to-date list of hotels, supermarkets and food delivery services currently operating near the hospital.
The NHS have published a guide to when to take your child to hospital during the pandemic. This was published on 2 April 2020. Click here to view the resource.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
But these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. The symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such as cold and flu.
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus:
Watch this video to learn how to properly wash your hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQCP7waTRWU
Patients with congenital heart disease should continue to follow government advice with regards to COVID-19.
Detailed updated information has been published for each of the nations of the UK. This includes advice for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable (those who were shielding during the first lockdown) which includes some adults and children with congenital heart disease.
According to the BCCA (11 Nov 2020), there appears to be a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from COVID-19 and some children previously placed in the extremely vulnerable group may now be classed as less vulnerable and this should be discussed with you cardiac team
Read refer to the latest government advice on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable:
Patients with congenital heart disease should continue to follow government advice with regards to COVID-19.
Detailed updated information has been published for each of the nations of the UK. This includes advice for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable (those who were shielding during the first lockdown) which includes some adults and children with congenital heart disease.
According to the BCCA (11 Nov 2020), there appears to be a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from COVID-19 and some children previously placed in the extremely vulnerable group may now be classed as less vulnerable and this should be discussed with you cardiac team
Read refer to the latest government advice on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable:
For all cases of Coronavirus (Covid-19), those being treated in hospital is in isolation so these patients do not cause a threat to others.
Check your hospital’s current guidance about attending appointments as it is highly likely they will suggest attending necessary appointments and avoiding unnecessary attendance.
Current Evelina London advice:
Changes to Government COVID-19 restrictions do not affect medical appointments or procedures. If your child has been invited for a face-to-face appointment or procedure, it’s important you still come. Find out about the extra steps we are taking to keep you safe.
You can find updates from the Evelina London here:
If you think you might have coronavirus or you’ve been in close contact with someone who has it:
The 111 coronavirus service will tell you if you need to continue to stay at home (self-isolate) or if you need medical help.
If a family member is concerned that they might have COVID-19, advise them that it is best to following the advice above, and avoid contact with others. The NHS website has a list of frequently asked questions about coronavirus that may be useful in these situations.
NHS advice states:
Hailing the resilience of those who have been shielding, the Health and Social Care Secretary confirmed from Monday 6 July they will be able to spend time outdoors in a group of up to 6 people including those outside of their household, while maintaining social distancing.
Those who are shielding and live alone or are single parents with children will also be able to create a ‘support bubble’ with one other household of any size, following the same rules already in place for the wider population.
From Saturday 1 August, the guidance will then be relaxed so clinically extremely vulnerable people will no longer be advised to shield, but support will remain available from NHS volunteers and local councils. People will retain their priority for supermarket delivery slots, and still be able to access help with shopping, medication, phone calls and transport to medical appointments.
While this group of clinically extremely vulnerable people should continue to follow strict social distancing measures, they will be able to participate in more activities such as visiting shops and places of worship.
From 1 August, those who need to work and cannot do so from home will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is COVID secure, adhering to the guidance available.
Government advice gives information about who should stay at home, how to prepare and guidance for you and your family during your time staying at home.
Read the government advice here:
We recommend that you have back up medicine, such as some extra packets easily available.
However we don’t advise that you start stockpiling your child’s medicine.
Carers UK have collated helpful information about being a carer during the Coronavirus pandemic which is available on their website.
Established 36 years ago, ECHO is parent led with heart parents on our board of trustees, and we have a strong relationship with the Evelina Guys & St Thomas NHS trust, NHS England, other organisations including other children’s and adults heart charities throughout the heart community.
ECHO’s work continues, based on the latest guidance from the NHS and government. While the way we carry out our services may change, how and why we support families will remain the same.
Please follow @echoukcharity and subscribe to our e-news for the latest updates from ECHO.
Parents/carers can join by registering as an ECHO member and then requesting to join the Facebook group. We will encourage people to respect the privacy of the ECHO community and avoid sharing updates or links that could cause concern or upset from unverified sites.
You can still donate – families need charities like ECHO to ensure they get support and information, especially during this time when they most need us.
Due to the pandemic, ECHO has seen a huge loss of income so your help really goes a long way to ensuring that we can be there for families in times of need.
The news about the Coronavirus (Covid-19) may be causing you and your family to feel stressed.
During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food. Keep things in perspective.
Public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected.
If your child is a cardiac patient at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, support is available from the Clinical Psychology team. However, we ask that you are patient as they are running a limited service during this time. Watch this message from Niki Gregg, Clinical Psychologist at the Evelina London’s Paediatric Cardiology team.
See the below resources from the World Health Organisation for more infomation on managing stress during this time.
We’ll be updating this web page and using our social media channels and closed Facebook group for ECHO members to share any updates as soon as we have them and keep our community updated.
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Please note ECHO are not medical professionals therefore if you require specific advice please call NHS 111.
