It requires very close communication between the two teams, but
it is clinically effective
Dr
Dirk Wilson, consultant paediatric
cardiologist
In recent years we have built a strong partnership with a team
of three consultant paediatric cardiologists at the University Hospital of Wales in
Cardiff, who see children with heart conditions from across
South Wales.
In 2008/09, 546 children were referred to us by consultants in
Wales.
In general, children from South Wales who need cardiac surgery,
a cardiology intervention or cardiac intensive care, now come to us
in Bristol for treatment.
The relationship requires close collaboration between our team,
the patients local paediatrician, and our colleagues in
Cardiff.
Consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Dirk Wilson, who leads the
team in Cardiff, says the partnership means that comprehensive care
can be offered to every patient: We provide core cardiology care
for our patients, so we have a close link with the team in
Bristol.
When a child needs to have some form of intervention, we agree
the treatment with a consultant in Bristol before the patient is
sent across.
It requires very close communication between the two teams, but
it is clinically effective. The feedback from parents and patients
is that largely they are very satisfied.
As a result of the collaboration, our links to South Wales have
grown. Last year, we received referrals from 12 Welsh hospitals,
with a geographical spread extending from Withybush General
Hospital in Haverfordwest, to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth,
and Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny.
Our intensive care retrievals service collects acute cases who
need to be admitted to our Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, and our
cardiac liaison nurses provide one of a number of outreach and
out-patient services that extend through the region.
Advances in telemedicine, which allows consultations to be done
remotely between consultants and patients in Cardiff or their local
District General Hospital and consultants here in Bristol, are
likely to see these links with South Wales grow further. Find out more about the
University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff
Consultant paediatric cardiologists at the University Hospital
of Wales in Cardiff
Dr Dirk Wilson
Dr Orhan Uzun
Dr Obed Onuzo
