Babies and children across West Hertfordshire are now benefitting from faster, potentially life-saving cardiac diagnostics following the arrival of a state-of-the-art heart ultrasound scanner at Watford General Hospital.
The advanced equipment, funded by our Caring for Generations appeal, was introduced to clinical practice on 22 January 2026. While a critical asset for the Neonatal Unit at Watford General, where it is used to scan tiny babies weighing as little as 600 grams, the scanner is also being used daily in the Children’s Outpatients clinic to treat patients aged 0 to 16.
The acquisition is the result of a major community fundraising drive, including significant contributions from Watford Health Trust and numerous local donors, reflecting a shared commitment to improving care for children and families across the area.
The scanner provides exceptionally clear, high-resolution images of the heart, allowing clinicians to detect serious heart conditions quickly and accurately. In many cases, a diagnosis can now be made during a single visit, reducing delays, avoiding unnecessary travel to specialist centres, and allowing treatment plans to be implemented promptly. For families, this means greater reassurance and access to high-quality care closer to home.
This investment marks an important step forward for Neonatal and Paediatric Cardiology services in West Hertfordshire, ensuring local hospitals are equipped with modern technology to deliver safe, timely and compassionate care to the youngest patients in the community.
“Having this machine in place is already making a significant difference to the way we care for our patients. This advanced technology is life-changing for the babies and children in our care who require urgent cardiac diagnostics. It allows us to make faster, more accurate diagnoses on-site, which is critical for improving the long-term outcomes for children with suspected heart conditions.” – Dr Sankara Narayanan, Consultant Neonatologist at Watford General Hospital
“We are incredibly grateful to the Watford Health Trust and our local community for their unwavering support. This scanner is a vital addition to our hospital’s services and seeing it in use in the Children’s Outpatients clinic illustrates why our ‘Caring for Generations’ appeal exists. It is your generosity that ensures our youngest patients at West Herts Hospitals get the best possible start in life.” – Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity
Find out more and make a donation to our Caring for Generations appeal.