A woman from Putney has helped to co create a booklet to help young people living with a pacemaker.

Katie Millar from Putney and Hannah Phillips from Lewisham have teamed up with Evelina Hospital in Lambeth to produce the booklet, Wired Up.

The pair were both born with congenital heart conditions and had pacemakers, a small implant which helps to control abnormal heart rhythms, fitted at Evelina London.

Katie, 20, and Hannah, 22, wanted to provide relatable information for people aged 13-25 who need to have a pacemaker fitted as well as those with a pacemaker who are transitioning from children’s to adult’s services.

Wired Up includes a range of useful information, such as what to expect from the procedure, what they should take to hospital, and how they may feel after they have their pacemaker fitted. The booklet also has a glossary of terms and space at the back for patients to make notes about their appointment.

Katie, a cardiac physiology student at Swansea University, said: “With Wired Up, the aim is to help other young people living with similar heart conditions. Hopefully the booklet will provide relatable information for teenagers on a more personal level without boring medical jargon and a clinical feel. As well as answering questions that young people may have, I hope it acts as a guide to support them on their journey.”

Wired Up was funded by Evelina London’s cardiology service and supported by the engagement team who work with young people and families to make sure that their opinions are recognised.

Professor Eric Rosenthal, consultant paediatric and adult congenital cardiologist at Evelina London, said: “Katie and Hannah should both feel extremely proud of what they have achieved by creating Wired Up. We know how crucial it is for young people to have accessible information about care, so we are very pleased that we have been able to support the publication of this important booklet.”

Wired Up will be offered to cardiology patients at Evelina London. The booklet is available to download on Evelina London’s website at www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/wiredup