https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/procedures-and-treatments/leaving-intensive-care-units-gosh/
Leaving the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
This webpage explains about the process of discharging a child from NICU (Dolphin ward) and PICU (Seahorse ward) at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Introduction
When your child’s condition improves and they no longer need specialist intensive care, they will be able to be moved to a children’s ward. This may be at GOSH or a different hospital.
Your child’s healthcare team will discuss the most appropriate place for your child’s ongoing care with you.
Transfer to another ward at GOSH
Your child is likely to be transferred to another ward at GOSH if:
- They need to carry on having specialist care or investigations.
- They are already a regular patient at GOSH and are receiving ongoing care here.
- Occasionally, your child may be transferred to another ward at GOSH if a bed is not available at your local hospital.
There are many different specialties at GOSH dealing with a wide variety of complex conditions. We will try to transfer your child to the most appropriate ward, so that they can receive ongoing care.
What happens before my child is moved?
The medical team will speak to the ward doctors and nurses and fully explain your child’s condition, treatment and care. This is to make sure that everyone caring for your child knows about the reason they needed intensive care, their current condition and planned treatment.
A Clinical Site Practitioner will visit your child on the intensive care unit to assess them and ensure that they can be cared for appropriately on the allocated ward. They will also assess them again after they have transferred to the ward.
Who will care for my child on the new ward?
When your child is well enough to be transferred to the ward, they will require a less intensive level of nursing and medical input, compared to what was required on intensive care. On the ward, your child will be allocated a ‘named nurse’ for each shift. This nurse will also be responsible for the care of other patients at the same time.
Can we still stay on the ward?
This will depend on if your child is requiring high dependency care.
If your child requires high dependency care, then two parents/carers will continue to be accommodated.
If your child does not require high dependency care, then only one parent/carer can stay overnight. This will either be next to your child’s bed or in hospital accommodation, if space on the ward is limited.
If two parents/carers want to stay, please speak to the accommodation office who can supply a list of local hotels.
Transfer to a ward at your local hospital- babies
Babies are transferred to other neonatal or paediatric units as soon as they no longer need the specialist services at GOSH. This is to provide the best possible care for your baby as well as trying to keep them as close to your family home as possible.
Premature babies may need to go to another neonatal intensive care unit to recover and grow before they can go home. If they still need ongoing intensive care, they will be transferred by a doctor and a nurse.
If you have breast milk in the fridge or freezer at GOSH, please remind your baby’s nurse before transfer so it can be sent with your baby.
Transfer to a ward at your local hospital- children
Children will be transferred back to the paediatric ward at your local hospital. Occasionally this is not possible, but we will try to find another hospital as close to your home as possible. It is important that your local health services are involved to plan any ongoing care that your child may need at home.
The nursing and medical staff at GOSH will tell your local hospital about everything that has happened to your child while in intensive care, and the treatment needed to meet their needs now and in the future. The nurses at GOSH will arrange transport for the journey, and a nurse will accompany your child. One parent may be able to travel with them.
If your child has any follow-up appointments planned, we will send you a letter in the post, so please make sure we have your correct details.
Leaving GOSH accommodation
If you have been staying in hospital accommodation at GOSH, please leave your room as soon as you have confirmation of your child’s transfer. This is so the room can be given to another parent in need.
Please return the key to the accommodation office, and make sure you have all your belongings with you when you leave.
Adjusting to life after intensive care
Being discharged from intensive care is usually a positive sign that your child is getting better. However, it can also be a stressful and anxious time. It can take a while to get used to not having one-to-one nursing care and constant monitoring. It can also take time to adjust to only one parent or carer being able to stay overnight. Most families find that they worry less with time and as they get to know the staff on the new ward.
However, if you have any concerns about your child’s discharge plans, please discuss them with the staff on intensive care. The Family Liaison team can also offer support.
How can I contact the team?
If you have any questions about your child’s transfer from intensive care, please contact the Family Liaison Team on 020 7405 9200 Ext 6347 or 1806, or email the team PICU-NICU.FLN@gosh.nhs.uk
Where can I access further information & support?
We recognise that your and your family’s needs continue beyond intensive care. These needs may include those related to health and education, as well as social, emotional and psychological needs. The team can give you information about organisations that can help and refer you to them if you’d like.
There are also some organisations that you can contact yourself, now or at any point in the future:
Contact- for families of children with disabilities. They offer support and advice on various topics including education, finance and welfare.
· www.contact.org.uk
· 0808 808 3555
Family Lives offer parenting and family support.
· 0808 8002222