The Scottish Paediatric Intensive Care Audit (S.P.I.C.A.) reported that 1051 children received intensive care in 14 hospitals in Scotland during 1997. Seven hospitals treated less than 10 paediatric intensive care patients in that year and only 2 hospitals treated more than the 250 recommended by the Paediatric Intensive Care Society.

This triggered the centralisation of paediatric intensive care services in Scotland to the two paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in the Royal Hospitals for Sick Children in Glasgow and Edinburgh which caused a significant increase in the secondary transfer of critically ill and injured children from the initial presenting hospital to PICU.

The Scottish National Paediatric Retrieval Service was established in April 2001 following recommendations made by a working group set up by the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland as part of the implementation of the national Acute Services Review (1998). The service is provided by two specialised teams based at the PICUs in Edinburgh and Glasgow working in close co-operation with the Scottish Ambulance Service. The service is nationally funded, being commissioned by the National Services Division (NSD) on behalf of the Common Services Agency.

The Paediatric Intensive Care Retrieval Service is now in its 10th year of operation, having transported over 3000 children to the PICUs in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and having recieved over 5000 referrals. The teams continue to diversify capabilities to enhance flexibilities in responding to requests for assistance with critically care patients. Both teams have a multi-professional staff compliment of Consultant and Fellow grade Medical staff, Retrieval Nurse Practicioners and PICU nurses, supported at all times by PICU Retrieval Co-ordinators. Specifically detailled equipment and ongoing training allows rapid team deployment by dedicated Rapid Reposnse Vehicle, ambulance, helicopter or airplane to reach referring units in all areas of Scotland in the minimal possible time.

Emergency referral direct line:

0131 536 0919

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Visit RHSC Glasgow PICU Retrieval Team Site Here