Final Report > Chapter 9: The Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Service in Bristol > Parents at the BRHSC and the BRI > Counsellor in Paediatric Cardiology

Counsellor in Paediatric Cardiology

58 In January 1988 Mrs Helen Vegoda was appointed Counsellor in Paediatric Cardiology (she was also referred to as a family support worker). Between 1988 and 1990, she was based at the BRHSC and also worked at the BRI and Bristol Maternity Hospital with families whose children had congenital heart defects. She often visited Ward 5 at the BRI to see families and to be available at key times such as surgery and admission.

59 Mrs Vegoda's position was rather isolated, as there was no peer support. Nor did her position fit into any formal managerial structure until 1991. [50]

Footnotes

[50] T47 p.113-14 Mrs Vegoda