Welcome to Wales and West Acute Transport for Children (WATCh)

The transport of your child is likely to be a highly stressful time, and the team will do everything they can to make it as smooth as possible and will answer any questions you may have. However, sometimes it is necessary to assess, treat and stabilise your child before updating you. Please bear with the team during this time, someone will update you at the earliest opportunity.

About the WATCh Service

WATCh provides a mobile critical care service in Southwest England and South Wales to critically ill children and young people. Once at your local hospital, the team will assess and stabilise your child before transferring them to the appropriate destination.

The team is made up of nurses, doctors, advanced clinical practitioners and ambulance drivers who have a variety of skills and extensive experience. The team’s aim is to provide an exemplary level of care from the moment they know about your child, throughout their transfer, and until they are settled at their destination.

Real-time Video Evaluation (ReViEW)

At WATCh we are using video calls as well as voice calls to give us as a medical team a more accurate idea of your child’s condition. The video call uses a computer program called DrDoctor, which is already used within Bristol Children’s Hospital for remote outpatient appointment. If it was decided that a video call would be helpful your permission would be sought prior to the call. The videos generated through the call will not be saved. Your child’s information will not be shared without your consent.

Research

As well as providing clinical care, the service plays an important role in research. This allows us to discover new and improved ways of treating patients. During your child’s transfer and admission, you may be invited to take part in research, participation in this is voluntary and will be explained to you.

Monitoring and equipment

The team has all the equipment required to provide a mobile intensive care. The type of equipment used will depend on your child’s condition and the severity of their illness. The team will explain all the equipment needed to transport your child safely to their destination. Be aware that you will hear alarms sounding, please try not to worry during this time, the team will inform you if they have any concerns.

Do I need to consent for my child to be transferred

Your child requires transfer for a specialist opinion or intensive care and although formal consent is not required, verbal consent will promote a positive experience for yourself and your child.

Preparing for transfer

The transport team and the local team will work together to stabilise and prepare your child for transport, this may take some time, which the team will explain. You are welcome to stay throughout this process, however, it is ok to get some rest and sit in a relative’s room until we are ready to depart.

Can I accompany my child?

We will, where possible, try to keep you with your child. One of the team will discuss this with you in more detail before leaving the local hospital. If travelling with the team you will need to complete a short risk assessment and you will only be able to take a small bag.

If your child is transported by helicopter, there may not be room for a parent to travel due to limited space. The helicopter provider will need to know your weight and helmet size at the planning stage of the journey.

Not all parents choose to travel with their child. If you are driving, we respectfully ask that you do not try to follow the ambulance, as it could put you, your child and the team at risk. If you see our vehicle stopped at the side of the road, please do not pull over, but continue with your journey and wait for the team to update you.

What happens at the receiving hospital?

When we arrive at the receiving hospital, we will give a detailed handover of your child’s illness before moving them to their new bed. Once settled you will have the opportunity to talk to the nurses and doctors about the plans for their ongoing care.
The ward team will make the necessary enquiries for you to have accommodation during your stay, which can be arranged during normal working hours. If you have any emotional or financial needs, please talk to the receiving team, they are there to assist your child and their family.

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) address

Please use the postcode or what3words to help you.

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Upper Maudlin Street
Bristol
BS2 8BJ
What3words – fishes.hiding.tumble

Useful contact numbers:
PICU (seahorse): 0117 342 8377
Caterpillar HDU: 01173428283
Dolphin HDU: 01173428332
Daisy HDU: 01173427897

Bristol clean air zone

Bristol Children’s Hospital is located within Bristol Clean Air Zone. If you have any enquires about the clean air zone and exemptions, please call Bristol City Council helpline 0117 903 6385, or visit www.bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone.

Car parking

Parking at the hospital is limited. There are disabled bays outside the main entrance to the hospital for parents with a disabled parking permit. There are also some nearby NCP car parks. A permit can be obtained for use within the hospital car parks once you are at BRHC. Please ask your child’s nurse or at main reception (level 2) on arrival for more details on these permits.

Accommodation

Accommodation is limited but will be arranged once you are at BRHC. This may not necessarily be within the hospital, but very nearby, at Pauls House or Ronald McDonald House. The staff will do their best to locate accommodation to meet the needs of your family unit, however, it is not always possible for us to accommodate siblings. Information on accommodation and other practical support is available from the family information room, which is located on level 2.

Charity

WATCh is supported by a local Bristol charity called The Grand Appeal, the charity enables all children to be given a Wilbur the WATCh Bear, which can accompany them on their journey or comfort you whilst you are separated from your child. If you would like to donate to the charity, please use the following link Why the WATCh Team Needs Your Support – The Grand Appeal

Feedback

We welcome your feedback regarding your experience with the transport Team. If you would like to complete this short survey, please go to https://redcap.link/watchfb. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary, and all information is treated confidentially.