ITV Granada has highlighted the death of Paula Ivers, whose aortic dissection was not diagnosed when she attended hospital with chest pain. Her story is another reminder that missed and delayed diagnosis of aortic dissection remains an ongoing challenge, and that the emergency pathway still needs to improve.
Aortic Dissection Patient Advocacy
The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust advocates for patients, influencing UK and Ireland healthcare policies to safeguard rights and improve care for those with aortic dissection.
Putting Patient Voice at the Centre of Sláintecare Reform
The charity joined healthcare leaders, policymakers and patient advocates to discuss the future of healthcare in Ireland and the role patients can play in creating safer, more effective services.
Aortic Dissection Awareness Day 2026
September 2026 brought our community together to raise awareness, strengthen patient care, influence policy and keep aortic dissection firmly on the national agenda.
South Tees Awarded Funding for Specialist Aortic Advanced Practitioner
New funding will help South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust build a sustainable specialist service for people living with thoracic aortic disease across the North East of England.
Surgeons Cycling Challenge Raises over £14,000
Three days of cycling in Mallorca have raised funds to support specialist aortic nursing and improve care for patients and families.
Aortic Dissection Demographic Blind Spots
As Aortic Dissection Awareness Month begins, a new podcast episode explores who is affected by aortic dissection and why assumptions about age, sex and ethnicity can matter.
Why Aortic Patients Need to Discuss Antibiotics Before Dental Treatment
James’ story highlights why every patient who has undergone aortic surgery should understand their individual risk of infective endocarditis before dental treatment.
Aortic Nurses Symposium 2026
From genetic screening and blood pressure management to service development and research, our annual aortic nurses meeting showcased the expanding role of specialist nurses in aortic care.
Liverpool Aortic Week
Leading experts, patients and families gathered at Liverpool Aortic Week to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and advance care for aortic disease.
Why Knowing Your Family History Matters
Rachel’s interview on BBC Tees highlights the life saving importance of understanding inherited risk and speaking up about family history of aortic disease.
Celebrating Professor Colin Bicknell’s Work
An inspiring evening celebrating collaboration, patient voices and the growing impact of research in improving outcomes for people affected by aortic dissection.
What a Month of Marathons
A powerful month of running saw supporters honour loved ones, raise awareness of aortic dissection, and fund vital patient support and research.
Is sleep the missing piece of recovery after aortic dissection?
Sleep disturbance affects most survivors of aortic dissection, yet it remains an overlooked part of recovery that can significantly impact quality of life.
Prioritising Safety and Learning in the NHS
Policy reform and patient advocacy are uniting to reduce harm, improve safety and transform care for aortic dissection in the NHS.
A Message of Hope and Remembrance
A message of remembrance, support and hope for all those affected by aortic dissection.
Trustee Awarded Honorary Doctorate
Pauline Latham OBE HonDUniv has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her tireless work in public service and aortic dissection advocacy.
Making Patient Voices Count
The charity is working with patients and partner organisations across the UK and Ireland to improve long-term recovery and support after aortic dissection.
Aortic Dissection Awareness Day 2025
This September brought major advances in research, patient support, clinical education, and community led awareness.
A First in Specialist Nursing Role Funding
Specialist nursing roles funded for the first time to improve lifelong care and support for people living with aortic dissection across the UK.
Aortic Dissection Podcast
A new video podcast series from the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust shares expert insights and real patient stories to support those affected by the condition.
Turning Awareness into Action
David Burgess’s sudden death from aortic dissection highlights the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and dedicated support for families.




















