GOSH Charity launches Vital Equipment Appeal to raise more than £100k for two new echo machines

A Vital Equipment Appeal is raising money for two new echocardiogram machines to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

The machines required will replace older models currently in use at the hospital and will offer more sophisticated imaging and reporting, meaning that doctors can diagnose cardiac conditions more accurately and be more informed to make crucial treatment and surgical decisions to optimise the care of the patient.

Mobile, light and easily transported across the hospital, an echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound scan which allows for accurate imaging of the heart valves and small blood vessels. With 20,000 children receiving echocardiograms annually at GOSH, the additional machines will enable doctors to diagnose and treat more children than ever before.

GOSH Charity will need to raise more than £100,000 to fund the two echocardiogram machines and is calling on supporters to donate what they can to the Vital Equipment Appeal to ensure as many seriously ill children as possible can benefit from the new technology.

Emma Carter, Senior Chief Cardiac Physiologist, said “The up-to-date technology available on the new echo machines will enable us to better visualise, diagnose and manage our complex patients here at GOSH. The availability of these machines is so important for in-depth imaging of sick children, and the exceptional accuracy they provide means we can offer the very best care.”

Dr Kiki Syrad, Director of Impact and Charitable Programmes added: “Thanks to the generosity of our fundraisers, GOSH Charity plays a vital role in funding the latest life-saving equipment for seriously ill children treated at GOSH. By giving to the Vital Equipment Appeal, supporters will give children with the rarest or most complex heart conditions the best chance at life.”

For media enquiries please contact:

Ellen Leach-Hutchings, GOSH Charity press office

020 3841 3147 / ellen.leach-hutchings@gosh.org

About Great Ormond Street Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity:

Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give seriously ill children, the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the most up to date medical equipment, funds support services for children and their families and supports the essential rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org