https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/press-releases/bbc-radio-4s-nightwatch-features-patient-sleep-unit/

BBC Radio 4's Nightwatch features patient from sleep unit

21 May 2013, 10:17 a.m.

Respiratory sleep unit

Andrea, the mother of a patient from the hospital’s sleep unit, explained on a late-night radio show what it's like to have a daughter with congenital central hypoventilation system (CCHS). 

"I...lie awake at night...just wondering what her life will be like when we're not here to look after her."

Her daughter's condition warrants constant supervision, as she is capable of forgetting to breathe whilst asleep.

On the second series of Wireless Nights, a BBC Radio 4 Broadcast, presenter Jarvis Cocker visited the family to see how they manage at home at night. Andrea's daughter depends upon a ventilator to help her breathe. Despite this, she must be watched carefully, as it is possible for her support system to become tangled when she turns over in her sleep.

More information on the Respiratory Sleep Unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital can be found here.

Nightwatch, the episode of Wireless Nights featuring Andrea and her family, can be listened to here.

Contact Information

For further information please contact Melanie Vessey at the GOSH-ICH Press Office on 020 7239 3043, melanie.vessey@gosh.nhs.uk.
For genuine and urgent out-of-hours queries call switchboard on 020 7405 9200.

Notes to Editors

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is the country’s leading centre for treating sick children, with the widest range of specialists under one roof.
With the UCL Institute of Child Health, we are the largest centre for paediatric research outside the US and play a key role in training children’s health specialists for the future.
Our charity needs to raise £50 million every year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, buy vital equipment and fund pioneering research. With your help we provide world class care to our very ill children and their families.