We provide a smooth transition for adolescents with congenital heart disease to adult health care at the Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Disease (PACH) clinic.
We refer youth and young adults (18 years and older) who have congenital heart disease to the Pacific Adult Congenital Heart (PACH) Disease Clinic at St Paul’s Hospital in
Vancouver.
These patients include individuals:
- who have been newly diagnosed with congenital heart disease
- who have never had surgery
- with previous palliative procedures that will require further surgery
- who have had complete repair of their cardiac disease, but that present with new problems or simply require ongoing follow-up.
The PACH clinic’s multidisciplinary team (of physicians, nurses, a psychologist and a social worker) provide specialized care, patient education and counseling about lifestyle, activities, contraception, pregnancy, psychosocial and financial issues, and the hereditary and genetic implications of this disease.
The PACH Disease Clinic, together with 14 other regional centres across Canada, is a member of the Canadian Adult Cardiac Network founded in 1991. The clinic provides coordinated and continuing care for adult patients with congenital heart disease in BC and the Yukon. All centres are linked by a computerized national database. The network draws on the knowledge and expertise of congenital heart disease professionals across Canada, creating a continually updated information resource. It offers unprecedented opportunities for improved patient care, long-term follow-up and research.
Due to the enormous variation in the way each congenital cardiac abnormality is presented and expressed, there is a great advantage for each patient to receive the pooled knowledge and experience of a nationwide panel of experts. The consultants involved are aware of the most recent research and scientific advances that may affect these patients.
