Heart Month: Alice's Story

After being born in January 2025, baby Alice was found to have a congenital heart defect. Alice was in and out of the children’s hospital in Edinburgh, but after suffering from low blood oxygen levels, her open-heart surgery was brought forward and she spent 8 weeks being cared for in the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow.

During this difficult time, Alice’s parents, Katherine and Matt, were given a room at Crossbasket House and have chosen to join team Crossbasket House at the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this September.

Alice’s Hospital Journey

Alice was postnatally diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot when she was born in January 2025 and struggled with low blood oxygen requiring frequent hospital stays in Edinburgh from 3 weeks old. Initially, Alice was not a suitable candidate for stent surgery due to her low birth weight, so the family had to wait a while to help her get bigger before open-heart surgery could become an option. 

Unfortunately, in June, Alice began having more frequent and severe difficulties with low blood oxygen and was sent by ambulance from Edinburgh’s children’s hospital through to Glasgow. Initially she stabilised and returned home but a few days later this happened again and her open-heart surgery was brought forward.

Her mum and dad stayed on Ward 1E until her operation, then moved into Crossbasket House as she would go straight to PICU after surgery. 

The surgery went well, but some complications arose when Alice was taken off the bypass machine and as a result, she required extra medications.

Alice’s recovery wasn’t straight forward, but throughout all of this we were there to provide accommodation for her parents at Crossbasket House. After a short stay on the high dependency bay in Ward 1E, Alice was finally discharged after 8 weeks in hospital. 

Staying in Crossbasket House

Alice’s mum, Katherine, shares her experience of staying with us in the House, and the difference it made to the family’s time in Glasgow:

“We live in Edinburgh, so without Crossbasket House it would have been about a 75–90-minute drive, and that’s without bad traffic!

“Being able to go over at any time of day or night when Alice was unwell was so important. We didn't know if she would make it, and being close was so important when we couldn't stay on the ward.

“After initially sleeping on pull down hospital beds on the cardiac ward, having a proper bed and shower was lovely, and the House gave us space to try and look after ourselves a tiny bit amidst all the craziness. 

“The thoughtfulness of the rooms, especially the direct phone line to the ward, just felt so prepped and caring. We really felt really supported and safe. 

“Having laundry facilities available is amazing, and the level of kitchen provision is great. We really weren't thinking about looking after ourselves as a priority at all, but Crossbasket’s design and environment made us able to do this easily. 

“It also afforded us space to see our 3-year-old who we missed greatly. The ache and guilt over missing your other child when one is in hospital is devastating. And having the option for him to visit or stay in a safe, relaxed and homely environment that didn't scare his was special. Sebastian loved the soft play and toy cars whenever he came over to visit. 

“We felt so supported by the kind staff. They all smiled, checked in with us, made us feel safe, welcome, and cared for during a difficult and scary time.”

“Matt and I also met other wonderful families that we are still in touch with which has been a great source of comfort.

“As parents, we didn't want to be far away from Alice, but didn't want to wait in the hospital either. We needed space and rest – to be honest, we didn't really know what we needed. But Crossbasket House gave us a quiet peaceful space away from all the noise and decision making.

“We had a nice family day there not long before Alice was discharged. We brought her over in a hospital pram and her grandparents and brother visited. It was lovely and warm, and we spent hours in the garden finding some normality for our family.”

Giving Back and Saying Thanks

To express their gratitude to the House and our services, the family have very kindly chosen to support Crossbasket House at this September’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk! Katherine adds:

“We couldn't have managed or coped in the same way without Crossbasket House. We know we might need to use it again for her future surgeries and we think every family facing such uncertainty and difficulty should have somewhere safe and calm to stay near their children and babies.

“We want to do all we can to help keep the amazing work Crossbasket House do, and we hope this Kiltwalk is the first of many ways we can support - we are eternally grateful.”