Congenital Heart Disease Working Group

About 5,000 babies are born with congenital heart disease (CoHD) every year in the UK (approximately one in every 145 born), which can continue to impact on people’s health throughout their lives.

Congenital Heart Disease Briefing Paper

With more people living with CoHD than ever before, it is critical that quality services are made available to match the demand. Prepared by members of the CVC CoHD Working Group, this briefing is an exploration of these challenges. The paper highlights critical issues in the field of CoHD, with recommendations to address these concerns. The recommendations cover the patient pathway from antenatal diagnosis of CoHD to end of life care. It is also intended to inform the CVC Consultation for a Cardio & Vascular Health Strategy 2010-2020 (Green Paper).

Briefing paper recommendations features measures to improve:

- Screening, audit and diagnosis

- Children's and adolescents' services

- Services for grown up congenital heart disease (GUCH) patients

- Support for dying patients, their families, and their treatment teams.

Download the briefing here (pdf file 140k)