CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE...HOW MY ROLE CAN

SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

My background Catherine Michaelides I am a qualified nurse Trained for 3 years in Belfast in adult nursing Moved to London and worked for 10 years in all

different specialities. Worked in general paediatrics for 2 years Trained in children’s nursing Moved back to Ireland Worked in Clark Clinic for 10 years In this role full time since July

Paediatric Congenital Heart Disease Specialist

Nurse

Paediatric

Children.

A boy or girl from the time of birth until they are adult.

Children For the purpose of the children’s hospital: Child is from 0 up until 14th birthday to

come to children’s A&E To see cardiologist who already known to

0-16 in children’s outpatients. 16+ in adult congenital outpatients in

RVH

Therefore I would answer questions up to age 16 and then Jan Gordon the Adult congenital specialist nurse would continue.

CongenitalHeart Disease

Is a defect in the structure of the heart or great vessels present from birth 

Specialist nurse

Someone who has a lot of experience , knowledge or skill in a particular area.

How I know about you

Work with Edith antenatal diagnosis Talk to the consultants Meet you with the Dr’s at time of first

post natal scan /diagnosis I hear from you yourself, you contact me Meet you in CCC as an admission I am in work 5 days per week Information stored on a data base

How do I do it? I am based in the RBHSC I carry a mobile phone I have an e-mail address I am closely connected to The cardiac

ward clark clinic Work very closely with the consultants,

doctors physiologists and the staff. I am mostly found in out patients, the ward or the cardiac investigations unit.

How do I support you? Discuss with you and recognise changes in

your child’s condition On going monitoring ie: regular contact. I offer advice Help you to recognise things to worry about

and what to do about it. Reassurance about difference in baby worries

and cardiac worries./normal childhood illnesses.

Discuss your child’s condition and refer on to someone else if need be.

Who might I refer on to?Your consultantDietician CCN’s HV’sSpeech therapistSocial workersPsychiatrists…Physiotherapisteducation

What I strive to do.

Expert care Communication Information Professional advice Teaching Resource reliable