Hello my name is Janet Rathburn and I’m the Chair of the PPV Group. The reason I’m involved is because I have a daughter who was born with Fallots Tetralogy. She has had many operations during her life but has had good outcomes and leads a full life. I am also a grandma of a baby grandson who had the same heart condition as his mummy. Sadly, Dominic died after having surgery when he was 3 months old.
I’ve been involved with charities for children with CHD for over 40 years. I was Chair of the Children’s Heart Association for over 20 years and the founding Chair of the Children’s Heart Federation. I have attended many meetings over the years, nationally, internationally and in the North West.
The reason I’m still involved, after so many years, is because I believe passionately that all patients with CHD should get the best possible treatment and outcomes. I also believe that all families, of a child or an adult should get the help and support they need.
Health professionals need to hear the voice of patients and families so they can continually try to improve the services they provide. The history of the provision for patients with CHD is a fascinating one and I feel very privileged to be part of the process in trying to ensure that the North West has a world class service for patients with CHD.