ECHO Evelina Children's Heart Organisation
 Find out more at : www.echo-evelina.org.uk
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December E-News

There are many times we are reminded just how difficult it can be in the heart community: visits to hospitals, clinics, GP’s; fighting with schools, clubs & professionals and being in a room of people who simply don’t understand.

We are reminded because you - ECHO members - tell us. You help each other through the difficult days and I am always surprised at how supportive people can be when they are themselves dealing with so much.

2015 has been amazing. I've been fortunate to meet so many members, I've been to some lovely coffee mornings held by regional volunteers, attended focus groups with parents and even slept in tents whilst camping with young people. These events helped me to deliver opportunities that you asked for.

The ECHO Summer Day transformed from a conference to an activity day in response to your needs and it saw us turning a football club into a fairground. We are looking forward to providing more fun and opportunities for all members in 2016.

Our proudest achievement of 2015 has been the development of ECHO’s three-year strategy. I will be sharing this with you early next year, the team are looking forward to supporting more families in ways you have asked us to.

Christmas isn’t a happy time for everyone, regardless of your faith or beliefs. However, we do hope that you enjoy the festive period and the time it gives you to reflect on the past year and plan for the next one.

We are thinking of all ECHO members over Christmas and look forward to working with you in 2016. 

Samantha Johnson, Director of Operations, ECHO

 

Update from the Evelina

Throughout this year ECHO worked closely with the Evelina London Children's Hospital to resolve issues such as recent changes to the appointment system. We talked to senior management and raised members concern's, organised a parent focus group and played a key role in representing parents. Find out the latest on this and other news in this update by Dr Owen Miller. 

 
 

Emilia's heart journey

The Di Giovanna family faced difficult times earlier this year, when their daughter Emilia spent many months at the Evelina London Children's Hospital. Emilia's family wish to share their story with ECHO members.

 
 
 
 
 

Take part in our survey:

Parental support at the Evelina London Children's Hospital 

Parents and carers often tell us that supporting their child in hospital can bring up lots of different questions, worries and emotions. ECHO and the Evelina London Cardiology team would therefore like to find out how we may best support you as parents and carers while you are spending time with your child in hospital - we truly welcome your feedback and thoughts.

 
 

Good luck Emma! 

Emma Simmonds, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Paediatric Cardiology Outreach recently left the Evelina London Children's Hospital after 15 years in the department, to start a new career away from nursing. Emma has written a goodbye message for all ECHO families, we know you will all wish her the best of luck. 

 
 
 
 

Fantastic fundraiser!

ECHO would like to say a BIG thank you to amazing fundraiser Stephane Wright. Stephane began fundraising for ECHO after his baby son Tommy spent time at the Evelina following a heart attack aged 7 months. In the last year Stephane has raised over £32,000 for ECHO - simply amazing!  

 
 

Earlier this month Stephane organised over 300 BMXing Santa's to cycle around London for the 2015 Santa Cruise, raising money for ECHO.

Thank you to all involved!

 
 

Still time to join Secret Santa Club!

Help us bring Christmas cheer to heart children by joining ECHO's Secret Santa Club. 

Donations will be used to purchase treats and presents for children staying at the Evelina London Children's Hospital. 

Ways to donate: text ECHO29 £3 to 70070 OR visit our Justgiving page

 
 
 
 

ECHO opening hours at Christmas 

The ECHO office will be closing at lunchtime on the 24th December 2015 and opening on the 4th January 2016.

The Outreach team at the Evelina London Children's Hospital will be closed between 25th - 29th December 2015. If you need to speak to someone during this time we recommend you contact the relevant ward at the Evelina directly.

  • Evelina main telephone number: 020 7188 7188  
  • Evelina 24 hour emergency number: 020 7188 8258
 
 

Thank you for reading our latest news.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Samantha and Team ECHO