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 healthcare 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.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales

Please use the postcode or what3words to help you.
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
What3words: grab.future.extend
PICU / HDU contact number: 029 2074 3282

Car parking

The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales is based within the site of the University Hospital of Wales . Once onsite, car parking and disabled parking is available in the multi-storey car park. Reduced rates are available for parents and carers from the car park office on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park.
To get to the children’s hospital main entrance from the multi-storey car park, cross the road at the pelican crossing by the pedestrian exit to the car park. Follow the covered footpath, passing the lake and fountain on your right. Instead of heading for the main concourse, bear right and up the blue staircase, and cross the road to the children’s hospital.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available within the hospital, so you can stay with your child. This is arranged by the hospital accommodation manager. Everything will be done to accommodate you, but there is often a waiting list. Priority will be given to those who live outside the Cardiff area.

Charity

WATCh is supported by a local 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.