The Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Trust is situated in the city centre of Birmingham and serves a diverse population. The Children’s Hospital is a regional and supra-regional centre for children between the ages of 0 to 16 years from many specialities, e.g. cardiac surgery, liver and renal disease, oncology, trauma and thermal injuries.

The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Birmingham Children’s Hospital is a nominated Lead Centre for Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC) services within the West Midlands region. It serves as a referral centre and offers a 24-hour retrieval service. The PICU is a modern, spacious purpose built 20-bedded unit, which is currently funded for 19 beds, and admits around 1100 patients per year. PICU has a well-established philosophy of multi-professional team working, including close working relationships with the Consultant Paediatric Intensivists.

Education and Professional Development

The PICU is committed to the on-going personal and professional development of its staff. A Senior Nurse co-ordinates training and education and there is an established Clinical Development team that provides teaching programmes, support and supervision within the clinical setting to enable staff to fully develop their knowledge and clinical skills.

Newly qualified staff can access an in-house teaching programme. The course, Foundations in Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing has both theoretical and practical components and is validated for 36 CATS points by the University of Central England at Diploma level with an optional module at Degree level. This course may also be available to staff with limited paediatric or intensive care experience.

Click here to view Foundation in Paediatric Intensive Care Nursing

Experienced critical care nurses from adult backgrounds can access a programme of education and supported clinical practice. This programme is planned to recognise and build on existing critical care knowledge and expertise, equipping staff to care for the child and family within the paediatric arena. The programme consists of 13 study days over a six-month period, 4 weeks supernumerary status, clinical competencies and the opportunity to work alongside experienced practitioners. Nurses with paediatric experience may also be able to access this programme.

Click here to view information on the PIC Training Programme

There is opportunity for further study through secondment to complete Diploma/Degree in Child Health nursing, to enable career progression in the Paediatric field.

The Paediatric Intensive Care Pathway (former ENB 415) at degree level is well established and co-ordinated by a Lecturer Practitioner, which is a joint post with University of Central England.

PICU offers clinical placements for students undertaking P2000/Child Branch diplomas/degrees and post registration RN (Child) courses. There are opportunities to develop mentorship and assessment skills in supporting students.

There are a wide variety of development opportunities for staff within PICU. These include access to future education and rotational posts to Clinical Development and Technical Teams. There is also an on-going exchange programme with Melbourne Children’s Hospital for staff to experience Paediatric Critical Care nursing overseas.

Managing a large workforce requires effective leadership. Each Senior Sister is responsible for a group of nurses. These Support Groups offer an opportunity for taking clinical initiatives forward, performance management and career guidance as well as a social network.

There are several posts which support and advance practice developments within PICU. Multi-professional Research and Audit activity within PICU is co-ordinated by an established nursing team. This promotes high standards of evidence-based care for critically ill children and their families. A newly appointed Clinical Nurse Specialist works closely with nursing staff to ensure care is evidence-based, delivered in partnership with the child and family and ensures all staff are supported in clinical practice developments. An Informatics Charge Nurse provides a cohesive approach to clinical care and Information Technology. A Family Liaison Sister offers support and counselling to families in times of extreme stress and is able to act as a link to appropriate agencies to ensure their needs are met.

Support Staff

A team of support staff lead by a Senior ODP carries out the technical and maintenance work, which is vital to an efficient and effective service. The team of Nurse Technicians and Health Care Assistants ensure that all the background services are in place to support clinical activity.

Administration staff provide clerical support and front of house reception duties.