A SPECALISED unit aimed at helping children with heart defects was officially opened yesterday at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The new Children's Heart Centre facility includes specialist outpatient clinics, imaging services and a research and telemedicine hub.
It was formally opened by Ireland and Ulster Rugby star Rory Best and 10-year-old Aimee Brady, who is waiting for a heart transplant.
Sarah Quinlan, chief executive of the Children's Heartbeat Trust, welcomed the launch of the new centre at the Children's Hospital.
The charity has campaigned for a dedicated centre for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) since the setting up of the all-island CHD network.
It also worked with the Belfast Trust and Department for Health to ensure the new facility meets the needs of the children and families.
"Paediatric cardiac care has faced considerable changes in recent years, and it is essential that children from across Northern Ireland continued to receive the highest level of care possible," Ms Quinlan said.
"A dedicated Children's Heart Centre in Northern Ireland is a crucial element in the provision of this world-class treatment and care for these children."
She added: "The paediatric cardiology team here look after some of the most complex cases for some of the sickest children in Northern Ireland and it is essential that we have the proper facilities in place to care for these vulnerable children."
The charity provided more than £50,000 of financial support to help create a welcoming child and family-centred environment at the new facility.
This included sensory equipment in the waiting areas and investigation rooms, iPads and interactive panels to engage children of all ages and artwork throughout the centre.
