There are three ways in which The Somerville Foundation aims to attain the highest possible standards of care and support for adults and young people who were born with a heart condition (known as ACHD or GUCH patients) Firstly by providing some services directly ourselves and secondly by working in partnership with other organisations improving existing services and developing new innovative services. Thirdly we campaign for better services within the NHS.

1.Outcomes from The Somerville Foundation’s services

• Congenital heart patients will enjoy a better quality of life. The highest possible standards of support include support that The Somerville Foundation offers which statutory agencies aren’t able to provide. This includes having a large supportive community and network of patients all helping one another as well as social weekends where patients can meet and form new friendships and relationships.
• Patients will enjoy better mental health. Our mental health services go beyond psychological support offered by the NHS. We equip patients with strategies to maintain positive mental health and to prevent illness as well as sign posting services for those in distress.
• Patients are empowered to better manage their condition and to lead full lives. Patients can build skills and confidence through our workshops, events, volunteering and representative opportunities

2. Outcomes from our partnership work

• Patients will reduce their own heart risk. By working with organisations such as the BHF on the transition pack we can share our expertise so that information is as targeted and relevant as possible.
• Patients will manage their condition better and are less likely to be lost to follow up during transition. We have been working with ECHO (Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation) at transition workshops at Guys and St Thomas Hospital. Effectively we have helping to bridge the gap between paediatric and adult care to help ensure a smooth and effective transition.
• Patients reduce their own heart risk throughout life by adopting a healthy lifestyle early on. Our joint conferences with the Children’s Heart Federation teach young people about risk helping them to form habits and behaviour patterns that will maximise their chances of keeping their heart healthy.

3. Outcomes from our campaigning work

• As we share knowledge and understanding of patients’ needs and campaign for better services we will help to attain the highest possible standards of care and support for adults and young people who were born with a heart condition.
• We are working with

NHS England on the new congenital heart services review

CRG’s (clinical reference groups) on congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension

NHS Scotland on standards for GUCH patients

NHS England’s adult standards review

MP’s and minister through the All Part Parliamentary Group on cardiovascular disease and individual contacts and lobbying.