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Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis

Find the attached leaflet containing information regarding Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis, which has been supplied by The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP).  The BCCA (British Congenital Cardiac…
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Travelling as a GUCH Patient

GUCH patient and The Somerville Foundation volunteer Sophie has travelled extensively and is passionate about seeing the world. She has developed a positive, practical approach to planning holidays and here, with the help of some of our members…
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Lets chill out

Taking time to relax is an important part of dealing with the stresses that life can throw at us. Learning how to relax is particularly helpful for those times when we get anxious or panicky. Practicing relaxation techniques as preparation for…
travel insurance
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Travel insurance

Finding Travel insurance is a must if you are considering travelling abroad possibly the most important thing you need after your passport. The travel insurance market can be a minefield, especially for those with an existing medical condition,…
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Travel information

This leaflet gives information on travelling for adults who were born with a heart condition (congenital heart condition). Having a congenital heart condition doesn’t mean you can’t travel but it may require a bit of advance planning. It…
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Lifestyle issues

This leaflet is designed to provide you with advice on some lifestyle choices and issues that may be related to your heart condition. The aim of the leaflet is to provide you with information so you can make the decisions for yourself. Download…

ACHD & pregnancy

It is a tribute to modern day infant heart surgery that those born with congenital heart problems can now consider having children themselves. Congenital heart defects (CHD) also known as ACHD (Adult congenital heart defects) or GUCH (Grown…
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Coping With Medical Procedures

Written by Dr Sara O'Curry, Chartered Clinical Psychologist Who wouldn't get anxious before a medical procedure? Biologically speaking, a procedure is a threat (someone moving towards you with a sharp object) and we are designed to respond…
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Emotional and Mental Health Resources

Emotional and Mental Health Resources Here are a selection of articles and resources that address some of the emotional and mental health challenges that can arise for people designed to help with living with congenital heart disease. For additional…

Male Health Issues

Male Health Issues By Antony Horner A talk was delivered by Dr Lucy Roche, a registrar at the Royal Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, at our Annual Conference in September 2006. As this is a subject not widely covered, Antony Horner, our website…
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Contraception for Women with a Heart Condition

There are several types of contraception available that work in different ways, and some also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In this leaflet we will hopefully provide you with information so you know which…
Nurse listening to young female patient's heart
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A Guide to Adult Cardiac Care (Transition)

Growing up can be an exciting time, with many changes and opportunities; a first job, going to university, new friends and new relationships. It will also mean that at some point, when are you are between the ages of 16 and 18 years, you will…
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Personal Health Passport

Personal Health Passport For your own pocket-sized copy of our Personal Health Passport, contact admin@thesf.org.uk or call The Somerville Foundation office on 01473 252007. Download Personal Health Passport PDF
Patient lying down in a hospital bed

Great expectations? How experience of chronic ill health affects what we expect

This post is about: how experience of chronic illness affects how and what people with chronic ill health expect of themselves and their experiences (particularly medical interventions) what expectations ‘healthy’ people have of…