The Children’s Heart Federation and BHF won a joint award for best Long-Term Conditions publication at the BMA Patient Information Awards held at BMA House on Thursday 13^th September 2012.

The ‘Straight from the Heart’ resource is for young people aged between 13 and 19 who have an upcoming heart procedure in hospital. The resource is a printed book and seven short videos that are hosted on the BHF website. These videos feature healthcare professionals and young people talking about various topics included in the printed book.

Samantha Johnson, Family Services Manager said, “The Children’s Heart Federation was really pleased to be part of this process working alongside the British Heart Foundation. Working directly with young people with heart conditions means we were able to get as many young people involved as possible in helping to make this resource what it is today. We have received so much positive feedback about the resource already from parents, young people and medical staff at hospitals across the country.  It is great that this resource, driven by young people, will be available to provide much needed support in future”.

Chris Barker, a young person who took part in the book said “It was great to be asked what I think other young people need to know when they go in to hospital. The final book looks great and is really going to be useful for people going into hospital in future, I just wish this has been around when I went into hospital!  I’m just so proud to have been a part of an award winning book”.

Victoria Goldsmith, CHF Young People’s Worker commented, “What has made the publication so successful is that the book was written by young people, for young people.Lot’s of young people have been involved in the process, they’ve all experienced first hand what it’s like to live with a heart condition and have to visit a hospital. The best advice is always from those who have been there, that is the real strength of this resource”.

Order the resource for free here