Karan Wheatcroft

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital provides specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine including adult cystic fibrosis and diagnostic imaging, both in the hospital and out in the community. LHCH serves a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly receives referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics. Heart and lung disease continue to be among the biggest killers in the UK and the communities served by LHCH are marked by increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease, higher levels of heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease and an ageing population. LHCH has a national reputation for strong performance, which is important in delivering the best care for patients and their families, and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and facilitated by technology. New and upgraded clinical areas are designed with patients and families fully involved to deliver their needs. As part of a long term plan, LHCH aims to form strong clinical and organisational relationships where possible. There is clear evidence that partnerships improve patient care and enhance quality and LHCH seeks to collaborate with a range of other providers and professionals to extend access and improve quality. For 9 out of the last 12 years, LHCH has been recognised by patients in the National Inpatient Survey as the best hospital in the country for overall patient experience.