We are thrilled to have launched a new story and activity book for children, Katie Bear goes to hospital.
The book is a step-by-step guide for children with congenital heart disease showing what happens before, during and after open heart surgery.
Katie Bear shares her story, top tips and ideas for activities, encouraging children to ask questions, talk about their operation and feel in control of their hospital journey.
The book was written by Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Rachel Avison and Children’s Cardiac Nurse Specialist Mike Fresson, with illustrations by Ossett-based designer Charlie O‘Neill.
Rachel and Mike said:
This child-friendly guide provides an introduction to hospital and explains what children can expect, from meeting the surgeon to having the operation and returning home.
We know that the more prepared children are before they come into hospital, the better their experience.
Harry Webb, a young patient, joined actor Dominic Brunt and the book creators for the launch on Tuesday 1 August (pictured above).
Here’s how you can get a copy of the new book:
- Patients (aged up to 10 years old) will receive a free copy of the new book at their first hospital meeting, after heart surgery has been agreed. Please speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist for more information.
- Patients who have already had their first meeting, or had heart surgery between 1 February – 1 August 2017 can request a free copy. Please email info@chsf.org.uk with your address, child’s name and date of surgery and we’ll post one to you as soon as we can.
- You can also buy the book online for £3 (plus £2 postage and packing) or from our Brotherton Wing office for £5.
If you have any questions, please email info@chsf.org.uk.
We’d love to hear your feedback too, so please get in touch!