The core Network Team is made up of:
Alison Conchie – Network Manager [email protected]
Cat Brown – Lead Nurse [email protected]
Dr Fiona Willcoxson – Clinical Director
Hannah Swift – Network Educator
Rosie Brakefield – Lead Sonographer
Jo Quirk – Project Manager
The core team are supported by a number of sub-speciality clinicians:
Ms Carin Van Doorn – Congenital Cardiac Surgery
Dr Peter Szedlak – Adult Congenital Heart Disease Anaesthesia
Jutta Scheffczik – Paediatric Anaesthesia
Dr Sinead McDonnell – Dentistry
Dr Lawrence Miall and Dr Sam Wallis – Neonatal
Paediatricians with an expertise in cardiology within the Network
Paediatricians with an expertise in cardiology (PEC) are children’s doctors who have undergone additional specialist training in cardiology. They work along-side the visiting Paediatric Cardiologist during joint outpatient appointments as well as delivering their own clinics in local hospitals across the region. Depending on condition, patients might see a PEC or a Paediatric Cardiologist.
In this video Dr Claire Davidson, a paediatrician at Pinderfields Hospital, explains her role as a PEC – a paediatrician with expertise in cardiology – how she looks after children with congenital heart problems locally, whilst working alongside the Level One centre, Leeds Congenital Heart Unit.
Dr Claire Davidson – Paediatrician with Expertise in Cardiology
I’m Dr. Claire Davidson, a pediatrician currently working at Pennyfield Hospital in Wakefield. I specialize in pediatric cardiology, which means I care for children with a range of health concerns, with a focus on those who have heart problems.
If your child has a suspected heart condition, I am typically the first point of contact locally. From there, I work closely with our specialist center in Leeds to ensure that your child receives comprehensive care. The advantage of having this support locally is that you don’t have to travel to Leeds for every appointment. You’ll have a nearby point of contact, and I can arrange for your child to be seen at Pennyfield Hospital or reviewed in clinic.
In fact, once a month, a pediatric cardiologist from Leeds visits Pennyfield, and together we hold a joint clinic. This allows us to review patients who may need further investigation or specialist care in a collaborative setting.
As a general pediatrician with a focus on cardiology, I also have a broad background in general pediatric care. This means I can provide support not only for heart-related issues, but also for other aspects of your child’s health, including growth, development, and general wellbeing.
Pennyfield Hospital is one of 18 hospitals in the Yorkshire and Humber region offering this specialized service, ensuring that your child receives high-quality healthcare, closer to home.
Our Adult Cardiologists in the Network
Our Adult Cardiologists in the Network are general cardiologists who have a special interest in, and have undergone further training in Adult Congenital Heart Disease. They work alongside the visiting Leeds ACHD consultants to provide outpatient clinics for patients closer to home.