Dear ECHO community,

We know that the announcement of a new lockdown starting today has been difficult for everyone. This lockdown feels different from the first, we did not know what it would be like last time, we didn’t understand what true isolation was until families were separated and support became harder to access. During the first lockdown we had good weather, we could go out and get some fresh air in parks and gardens. Now we are facing 4 weeks at home at a time when the winter weather and concerns of catching normal winter viruses like the flu adds pressure on what we can or can’t do.

Families have been in touch with us so we know that people are feeling down, confused and anxious. We want to reassure you that whilst many businesses are being forced to close, ECHO is open, working remotely and here to support you.

We love hearing all the positive stories you share with us and of course we love hearing the courage of those in hospital through all of this, so do keep in touch.

We will get through this time.

Here is some important information regarding both now and into the future:

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.

Current advice is that it is safe for children to continue to attend school. However, if you are unsure what to do we advise you contact the hospital to discuss your child's specific case.

As soon as we are given any new instructions from either Evelina London or the BCCA we will update our website and social media.

Check out our dedicated Coronavirus Information page for more information.

• Subject to the agreement of both organisations, there is an expectation that Guy’s & St Thomas’ and Royal Brompton & Harefield will become a single NHS Foundation Trust early in 2021.
• Whilst this will further strengthen their close working, changes to where services are provided are subject to entirely separate approval processes, requiring public consultation.
• NHS England commissioners are expected to present proposals for public consultation in 2021 regarding the future of the services.  These proposals will set out the case for bringing paediatric services together in an expanded Evelina London Children’s Hospital, in around 5 years’ time once new facilities have been built. 

Please click here to read the full statement by Dr Aaron Bell, Head of cardiac services, Evelina London & Dr Jan Till,  Divisional director of children’s cardiac services, Royal Brompton & Harefield.

Joint Statement by Samantha Johnson, Chief Executive of ECHO and Trudy Nickels, Chief Executive of The Brompton Fountain

As two independent charities dedicated to helping the families of children affected by congenital heart disease (and respiratory diseases, The Brompton Fountain only) we welcome further clarity on how children’s cardiac services at Evelina London and the Royal Brompton & Harefield will work together in the future. Both ECHO (Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation) and The Brompton Fountain support families of CHD patients and have opened conversations about how best our charities can support families through this change. The Brompton Fountain (established 2005) and ECHO (established 1983) have valuable experience in supporting families through times of change and will continue to do so through this period. The close working relationships we have with the hospitals and medical teams concerned place us in a strong position to communicate your priorities, concerns or questions to ensure this process is as smooth as possible for all affected.

At the heart of our work and decision making is the need to provide emotional and practical support to children with CHD and their families. We will work independently and alongside one another to ensure this continues in the best way possible.

“ECHO have extended our membership to families treated by the teams at the Royal Brompton & Harefield and its networks to enable us to best connect the children’s heart community. Earlier this year we were warmly welcomed by Trudy & the team at the Royal Brompton with a tour and introductions to key staff and look forward to ongoing conversations” Samantha Johnson, Chief Executive, ECHO

“The Brompton Fountain will continue to work closely with families and will provide updates and support to patients and relatives under both the cardiac and respiratory teams as plans continue. We look forward to building on relationships with the Evelina and ECHO teams and to collaborating on ideas, to ensure a bright future for all.” Trudy Nickels, Chief Executive Officer, The Brompton Fountain

We know this is an incredibly difficult time and many families are facing heightened anxiety due to the COVID:19 Pandemic. We wish to reassure our members than we remain dedicated to providing support services to families now and into the future and are here if you need us.

If parents/carers or patients would like to discuss how this may impact your family please do contact us directly using the links below:

Speak soon,

Team ECHO

Samantha, Emma, Siobhan, Sinéad and Kate

Connect with ECHO

Email: hello@echo-uk.org

Website: www.echo-uk.org

ECHO office (temporarily closed)
Canterbury House, 1 Royal Street London SE1 7LL

Tel: 0207 998 4710

Social media: @echoukcharity