Hummingbird Unit

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our Paediatric Pain Management Programme (PPMP) at the Mroué Fateh Centre for Pain Management, a new treatment option within our Pain Service. This was designed to transform the lives of families and their children experiencing chronic pain. The centre can be found at Hummingbird Unit on Level 7 of the Southwood Building.

Chronic pain is a complex condition that can deeply affect a child's daily life, from physical activities to school attendance and social interactions. At GOSH, we understand that addressing chronic pain requires more than just medical treatment; it requires a holistic approach that considers the biological, psychological, and social factors impacting the child and their family.

The PPMP is a three-week intensive, interdisciplinary programme that integrates medical, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, and occupational therapy expertise. We offer a family-centred approach, delivering a combination of individual and group therapies paced to ability. The programme includes a variety of daily educational, movement and practical sessions.

Throughout the programme we will work with the young person and their family to help them apply the knowledge and strategies they learn on the programme working towards independence and self-management. At the end of the three-week programme the young person will be followed-up as an outpatient (virtually and face-to-face) at regular intervals.

Our goal for the young person is to promote and sustain improvements in daily function despite pain and support their health and well-being so that they can be more independent. Alongside this, we aim to provide families with the tools and skills to support their child through this process.

Our PPMP is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, incorporating:

• Interdisciplinary Care: Our team of specialists collaborates to provide coordinated, comprehensive care tailored to each child's unique needs.
• Family-Centred Interventions: We involve the whole family in the pain management process, recognising the crucial role they play in a child's recovery.
• Evidence-Based Strategies: The programme is built on and looking to further the latest research and best practices in paediatric pain management to deliver a novel programme.

• Improve Quality of Life: Reduce pain-related disability and enhance overall well-being.
• Promote Independence: Support children in achieving developmentally appropriate goals, such as educational attainment, taking part in hobbies and independent living.
• Focus on Sustainability: We aim for long-term improvements that extend beyond the hospital, helping children return to their daily routines and activities.

The PPMP is one potential treatment option that will be considered by the multidisciplinary team assessing a patient referred to the Outpatient Chronic Pain Service. It has the potential to be beneficial for patients aged 11-18 years who are experiencing chronic pain and significant pain-related disability.

To be referred to the Outpatient Chronic Pain Service, find information here.

If deemed suitable for the programme, you will be asked to engage in a detailed assessment and discussion about the programme with our team, ensuring you have all the information you need.

The PPMP is more than just a treatment option; it's a step towards a future where children with chronic pain can take back control of their lives and work towards fulfilling their potential. By integrating this programme into our clinical care pathways and supporting it with robust research, we aim to not only improve outcomes for our patients but also to provide a model of care that can be replicated nationally and internationally. Together, we can take the first step towards improving the health and well-being of children and the adults they will become through world-class intervention, education, and research.