Artist’s work lives on in heart centre 

NHS Golden Jubilee is celebrating the life of a talented artist who sadly passed away in December 2023, by displaying her work in the ward where she was cared for following a life with congenital heart disease.  

Heather McDougall was diagnosed with Shone’s Disease, a condition which is present from birth and causes defects which impact the blood flow to the left side of the heart.   

As her condition progressed, Heather required a heart and lung transplant, but sadly passed away while on the organ donor list. 

Originally from Stirling, Heather was a research scientist with a PhD in parasitology who worked at the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh.  

In addition to all of this, and the fact the condition affected her vision, Heather was a skilled artist.  

To celebrate her memory and thank the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS) team at the Golden Jubilee, based in Clydebank, her family have donated sketches and portraits to the Hospital that did so much for her.  

Heather’s husband, Stuart, said: “Heather had a close relationship with her medical team from SACCS. They knew her from when she came to them as a child right through to adulthood, and she received exceptional care. 

“She found solace in drawing and other crafts. Five of Heather's sketches from her portfolio were donated to the Golden Jubilee where they are displayed on the wards. Heather's artwork is a source of pride and joy for her family although she was her own worst critic. She never gave herself the credit that was due. 

“It was nice for the nurses to finally see Heather’s artwork hanging in the wards as they never knew she was a good artist until she was admitted to the hospital and started sketching away. They were amazed at what she did.” 

Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week takes place takes place between 7 and 14 February recognising children and adults living with congenital heart disease. 

Heather transferred to SACCS at NHS Golden Jubilee at the age of 16 for her treatment where she received exceptional care from the dedicated medical team. 

SACCS is the national centre of expertise in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) offering specialist care for patients from all over Scotland. This includes special assessment and investigations, congenital heart surgery, cardiac catheterisation lab interventions and other procedures for heart rhythm disorders. 

Undergoing her first surgery at just 1 year old, she underwent a total of 5 open heart surgeries throughout her life to help manage her condition.   

On top of the touching donation of the artwork, Heather’s friend Russell Wood, 56, from Dunfermline, donated an incredible £1,500 to the service, to help raise awareness for congenital heart disease and improve the lives of patients.  

Former chairman of the Central and West Fife Show, an annual agricultural charity event held near Thurman for the past 100 years, Russell was no stranger to charitable giving, as the event distributed their profits to a variety of local charities each year. 

As Heather and Stuart were both involved with the show, he decided to allocate last year’s profits, including the sale of tickets for a high tea, and donations to the SACCS team. 

Stuart and Russell both visited the Golden Jubilee to see Heather’s work on display.  

Russell said: “I’ve now learned a lot more about Heather's condition and the hospital's role in her treatment. I was also really impressed to see the paintings that Heather’s family had donated to the hospital wards and clinics and I’m full of admiration for her artwork.”  

Stuart added: “It was so nice to see the SACCS again. The level of commitment they gave to Heather, professionally and personally, was unbelievable. They were exceptional. As a family you couldn't have asked for more.” 

Cardiology Consultant and Clinical Lead for SACCS, Dr Hamish Walker, said: “It was a privilege to have been involved in Heather's care for several years. She was a wonderful human being and will be sorely missed by all.  

“The team would like to thank her family and friends for this most generous donation, which will help us continue to make a real difference to the lives of other patients and families.” 

Additional Information 

Heather is survived by husband Stuart and daughters Iona, 10 and Ailsa, 12.  

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Awareness Week (7 - 14 February) recognises children and adults living with congenital heart disease, celebrating their journey whilst increasing awareness of these heart conditions. 

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting almost 1 in 100 babies born in the UK.