Evelina London Children’s Hospital, ranked by US Newsweek as one of the world’s best children’s hospitals, is home to our world-leading cardiology and cardiac surgery service. It is also one of only two specialist children’s hospitals in London, and we are proud to have Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales as our Patron.
As a world-leading centre we provide life-changing care and comprehensive medical and surgical services from before birth to later in life. As part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, one of the world’s most prestigious healthcare organisations, we draw on the expertise of multidisciplinary teams to offer high-quality care and clinical excellence.
Evelina London is situated next to St Thomas’ Hospital in central London, in proximity to iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Its location enables children and their families to conveniently access various clinical services, expertise, and the latest treatments all at one site.
Leading innovation in children’s cardiology and cardiac surgery
We have a long history of innovation and world-firsts, developing cutting-edge technology and making advances to transform care for patients with complex heart disease.
Our cardiology specialists cover numerous areas of expertise, from the fetus to the adult and across both congenital and acquired heart disease, including heart rhythm abnormalities. An area that truly sets Evelina London apart is our cardiac imaging expertise.
Advanced rapid response cardiac imaging
Evelina London has the longest established and largest fetal cardiology service in the UK. In addition to advanced ultrasound techniques, we’ve pioneered a unique fetal cardiac MRI programme to identify cardiovascular problems before birth. In addition to our pioneering 3D fetal cardiac MRI service, our specialists and researchers are also working on virtual reality (VR) imaging to further improve accuracy in diagnostics and treatment for our young patients.
Dr Miller, Consultant in Paediatric and Fetal Cardiology says: “Our children’s cardiac MRI and 3D echo service has been established for decades. To further develop this clinical excellence, our imaging specialists and clinical academics collaborate within King’s College London (KCL), carrying out world-leading research, to the benefit of all patients at Evelina London.”
Our innovative VR technology brings together multiple scans to build 3D digital heart images, which provide a clearer view of individual characteristics of each patient’s heart which allows our specialists to trial options in VR before performing actual surgery.
To improve detection of congenital heart disease during routine pregnancy scans, our specialists and researchers, working with imaging scientists at KCL, are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) approach to improve the scan accuracy and efficiency. A computer network processes thousands of ultrasound images, with the algorithm learning features to automatically identify anomalies in fetal hearts. Such advances may improve efficiency and accuracy of fetal diagnoses, working closely with established techniques and clinical teams to offer a rapid response diagnostic service to expecting parents.
“Our whole cardiology group is very strong in cardiac imaging,” explains Dr Miller. “Advances in the world of cardiac imaging can shorten patient waiting times and reduce the need for multiple surgeries, resulting in better outcomes for patients and their families.”
We know how stressful an undiagnosed cardiac issue can be both for our young patients and their families. Our paediatric cardiologists offer a streamlined diagnostic process with the aim of examining the child, carrying out initial tests and interpreting results, providing a diagnosis and counselling the parents, usually all within a single appointment. This is available to all patients including international referrals.
Complex cardiac surgery
The latest addition to our team is Professor David Barron, who brings with him de-cades of experience in cardiac surgery and educational leadership.
Professor Barron will join Evelina London in early 2025 as the new Chief of Congenital Cardiac Surgery, leading the combined cardiac surgical programme at Evelina London and Royal Brompton Hospital.
Professor Barron has been Division Head at The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick-Kids), Toronto and Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto, which is in the top 5 surgical programmes in North America, steering SickKids to the highest quality outcomes in its history. Previously, Professor Barron was the Senior Cardiac Surgeon at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where he had been a consultant surgeon since 1999.
Recognised as one of the world’s best children’s hospitals – US Newsweek for 2025 complex patients, all in one place.
Professor Barron graduated from St Thomas’ Hospital with postgraduate cardiothoracic surgical training at Papworth Hospital, Royal Brompton and Great Ormond Street. He is dual qualified in internal medicine and cardiothoracic surgery and has a doctorate (MD) from in biomechanical assist. He has been national lead for UK Congenital Cardiac Training and has been on the Executive of the British and European Cardiothoracic Societies.
Professor Barron’s research has focused on surgical innovations and 3D printing for complex heart conditions including hypoplastic left heart, complex pulmonary atresia and congenitally corrected transposition.
Expert joined-up care
Our multidisciplinary team of specialists offer an extensive range of congenital cardiac surgeries, including newer techniques for highly complex congenital heart problems for both single ventricle palliation and for complex biventricular corrective surgery, all with excellent outcomes.
Our hospital continues to grow, including our new cardiac and critical care unit which offers the latest technology, private bays and a spacious, modern, welcoming environment. Our surgical expertise combined with support from leading experts and intensive care facilities, enables us to provide complete care, even for the most
- Contact us to find out more about our specialist services: Tel: +44 (0)20 7188 5197
Email: privatepatientenquiries@gstt.nhs.uk
Web: www.guysandstthomasspecialistcare.co.uk
