GUCH nurses

A GUCH (Grown up congenital heart patient) nurse provides specialist care, support and education for young people and adults who are born with a heart condition. They are also a great support to their patients family.

Our GUCH team in Manchester have worked hard to make growing up with a congenital heart defect easier.  We caught up with them when they received a Team Award for their services to young people. See what they and our other health professionals have to say to the heart patients who inspire them every day. Watch the video

Karen is a GUCH nurse based in the East Midlands and has been a BHF nurse for nearly a year and has been a nurse for over 24 years.

“This is a condition diagnosed in children but medical advances thankfully mean more people are surviving. Dealing with adults presents a whole range of other issues.

"My main role is looking after the clinical side of things and offering counselling, lifestyle advice and providing support to ward staff. We are now able to provide a seamless and much needed service through adolescence into adult care.”

“We want to be able to empower people with lifelong conditions to lead as much of an independent life as possible.”

Paediatric cardiac liaison nurses

A paediatric cardiac liaison nurse (PCLN) provides valuable long-term emotional support, information and practical advice for children and teenagers with a heart condition and their families.

Mary is based in the East Midlands, and has been a BHF nurse for six years.

“I went to a catholic secondary school and one of the catholic priests there always use to tell me that I would be a nurse one day and I would always tell him no I would not.

"I said this as I have spent a lot of time as a child in hospital and was frightened of it. When I ended up in hospital at the age of 20 I realised that I would actually be a good nurse and the rest is history!”

“It is a real pleasure and an honour to do my job as families allow me into their lives. I liaise with all healthcare professionals and many members of the multi-disciplinary team, for example teachers, health visitors and social workers.

"I offer practical solutions to everyday problems and there is a challenging emotional and psychological component to the job – holistic care at its best.”

Hannah has congenital heart disease and her mother told us: “I couldn’t do without them. Mary gives you courage to keep on going, especially when you feel so disheartened.

"Mary was positive, honest and hopeful about Hannah’s condition. She knows who you are and she answers your questions, even if you feel they are stupid, she never makes you feel that way for asking.”

The evaluation report is available to download.