Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

09/09/2025

It’s National Teddy Day today! We followed Toffee the Teddy around on their pawsitively busy day! Like last year, Toffee had many big plans! 👇

🐻Toffee lives in the LIAISE Office on Level 2 of the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where his beary busy day started! He said hello to some knitted friends of his before heading out of the office…….

⛅Toffee thinks the view on Level 4 is just spectacular! He had a little stop here to look out at this slightly gloomy September day.

😴 Up on Level 5 is the Oasis Garden, one of Toffee’s favourite places! He hasn’t done much yet but he had a quick nap! Zzzzzzz……

🚜The Play Centre was the next stop! Toffee is trying to enjoy any dry day that we are getting (before winter starts!) so spent a bunch of time on the slide, the climbing frame and the tractor. And of course, saying a warm hello to his Gromit friends and the Gorilla that live on Level 5!

📚On his final stop, Toffee went to Level 7 to visit his furry friends up in Planet Therapy! Toffee learnt that furry friends and teddies are really great in helping children feel better and learning or relearning skills. The team were so friendly too!

Well, what a super busy few hours Toffee has had! If you ever want to visit Toffee, please go and give the LIAISE Office a visit! 🥰

09/09/2025

This week is week, and we want to remind you that good asthma care means having no symptoms. These four steps can help children and young people to manage their asthma and live their best lives 👇

1. Get an asthma action plan in place.

2. Understand how to use inhalers correctly.

3. Schedule an asthma review – every year and after every attack.

4. Consider air pollution and its impact on lung health. Learn more about children and young people’s asthma care: https://www.england.nhs.uk/childhood-asthma/

05/09/2025

We have a sparkling new garden on Level 3! A wonderfully revamped space for our hardworking staff to relax and recharge in, during a busy shift. 🪴🌹🌤

The team were so grateful to The Bransford Webbs Plant Company for the plant and flower donations and the fitting of it all by Wickes. Doesn’t the space look fantastic!? 🥰

Have a look at the pictures to see how special the new space is! ⛅

03/09/2025

It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! 💛 Our team from the Children, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Operational Delivery Network, wanted to share a super exciting new update to our service! 👇

‘SWAG Cancer Alliance and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) are partnering to improve outpatient care for children with cancer.

This September, in recognition of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, SWAG Cancer Alliance and BRHC are proud to announce a new partnership focused on improving care for children with cancer across the Southwest.

The project will explore how more treatments, particularly chemotherapy, can be delivered on an outpatient or ambulatory basis, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays. The aim is to ease the emotional and logistical burden on families and enable children to spend more time at home or closer to home, where they belong.

SWAG Cancer Alliance is providing funding to support this important initiative, which will be used to increase staffing and allow the clinical teams time to assess how new models of care could be introduced.

Helen Winter, Clinical Director at SWAG Cancer Alliance, said: “We already have an excellent model of care for paediatric cancer patients in the Southwest. Supporting this project to build on that foundation is something we’re incredibly proud to do.”

Dr Rachel Cox, Oncology Consultant at BRHC, added: “Advances in paediatric oncology are creating new opportunities to deliver treatments in outpatient settings rather than requiring long hospital stays. These approaches are being adopted across the UK and internationally, and we want to ensure families in our region benefit too. Working with SWAG Cancer Alliance allows us to explore how we can make that happen locally.”

Ambulatory chemotherapy refers to cancer treatment that is delivered in an outpatient setting, meaning patients do not need to be admitted to hospital. Instead, children receive their chemotherapy in a clinic or day unit and return home the same day, meaning greater comfort and enabling children to maintain routines and spend more time in familiar environments. It also means fewer disruptions to school, work and family life and can reduce the anxiety and stress for both children and their caregivers.

Each year, around 150 children in the Southwest are diagnosed with cancer, with all receiving their diagnosis and initial treatment at BRHC. Teams across the region work collaboratively as part of the Children, Teenage and Young Adult Cancer (CTYA) Operational Delivery Network, ensuring services are equitable and sustainable, and continually striving to improve the experience of care for patients and their families.

This new project represents a significant step forward in making cancer care more child- and family-centred, and in aligning the Southwest with best practices seen across the UK and beyond.’

01/09/2025

It’s Sickle Cell Month and Sophie, one of our Paediatric Haematology CNS’s, has taken us along on a typical Monday at work! ❤👇

‘🌥 8am:

My day begins in the CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) office on Ocean unit. I log on to my computer and check the clinical alert system to see if any patients were admitted or discharged overnight. A patient may have been admitted in a pain crisis or with a fever, so the first task is to check on their progress. I then check my work phone and emails to see if there are any urgent messages.

I work as part of the benign haematology team which includes my 2 CNS colleagues (Helen and Katrina) and our family support worker, Hayley. We always ensure to catch up in the mornings and handover any tasks.

⛅ 9am:

I attend the morning huddle with the medical team and outpatient department, where we discuss any inpatients, regional inpatients or patients that are due in for a review/test. We will then go on ward round and review any inpatients or patients in the emergency department. Pain management, hydration, cause of infection and careful monitoring are priorities. I will liaise with the ward nurses and patient's/families to ensure they are happy with the care plan and resolving any issues.

Another morning job is to plan any upcoming blood transfusions due for the week ahead.

🌤 10am–12pm:

During this time, I will make my routine telephone reviews to patients that have recently been discharged or are managing pain at home. I will also use this time to call any new families that have been referred to the team and will introduce myself, the service and plans of care. I will chase any outstanding hydroxycarbamide monitoring bloods and review results and coordinate prescriptions, dose changes and blood tests.

🍎 12:00pm:

Lunch!

📝 12:30 - 14:30pm:

During this time, we have a new patient clinic where patients will attend from across the southwest region for their reviews. Here, my role broadens: assessing heart rate, oxygen saturations and blood pressure, monitoring growth, reviewing medications like hydroxycarbamide, arranging vaccinations and so on. Clinic is also about getting to know our new patients and families.

☀️ 14:30 - 16:00pm:

Time to stock up my kit bag and head out in my car to visit patients in the community - either at home or school for their hydroxycarbamide monitoring blood tests and review. We’re proud to currently offer this service to our Bristol families as it saves regular trips to hospital and prevents patients missing school. I love this aspect of my job!

🌙 16:00 - 18:00pm:

Once I’m back in the hospital, I send the blood samples to the lab which I can later review and update families on test results and advise on hydroxycarbamide dosing. I will complete notes documenting my visit, results and plan of care. I will use this chance to answer any more patient messages and respond to any emails.

I love being a CNS - my role is diverse and sits at the centre of acute care, chronic disease management and family support. Every day is different but centred around supporting children living with sickle cell disease and their families and educating staff that care for them. I aim to use my knowledge to improve quality of life for patients, while being the person families can turn to in moments of uncertainty.

Along with the adult haemoglobinopathy team here in Bristol, we’ve been working hard on building a website for the Southwest Haemoglobinopathy coordinating centre aiming to standardise care across the region. We hope this will be useful resource for families, patients and professionals. There is a patient hub with information leaflets, an education hub with care plans and training for schools, a professional's hub with guidelines and a news/updates hub which we will be updating with patient events that we run.

We are very pleased to say the website is now live! 🎉

Please find the link below: https://southwesthcc.nhs.uk/ '

The Lollipop Be-Bop light sculpture is also turning red tonight in recognition! Keep an eye out and let us know if you catch them. Thanks to our wonderfully dedicated charity Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal for supporting us in vital awareness occasions like this one. 🥰

01/09/2025

Not long left to go! Only 14 days left to sign up! 📝

Remember this event is a brilliant way to learn more about your or your child's transition process. It is a safe and comfortable space to ask any questions and gain valuable advice. 🗣

To sign up, please scan the QR code below or use the following link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=dlg22ethzEunZJFACjBCc8FrCy_eS1JMn52qOFpX7IpUNjcwSDJLRFBDVDlSU0NQRUpXT1k1T0xMRS4u&route=shorturl

Transition is the process that prepares young people with congenital heart disease for the transfer from paediatric to adult care - allowing them to take more ownership for their health condition. 👇

The Congenital Heart Disease Team are running a virtual evening for young people over the age of 15 with congenital heart disease, to allow them to meet the team involved in their adult side care and familiarise themselves with the BHI before they transfer over. It gives young people AND their families a chance to address any questions or worries they may have about leaving their paediatric team and transferring to a whole new one. 🥰

To register, please refer to the poster below. ❤

29/08/2025

19/08/2025

🌟 We’re really excited to launch something brand new AND we are so excited to be working with Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust. Details below! 🌟

Thanks to funding from Awards for All, we’re holding our first ever ‘Transition to Adult Care: Information & Connection Event’ in partnership with the brilliant paediatric neurosurgery team at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children 🧠💬

This is the first event of its kind. It’s just for children and young people (aged 12 to 15) with hydrocephalus who are under the care of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, along with their families and carers.

The aim is to help families feel more prepared and supported when moving from children’s to adult neurosurgical care.

✨ Meet the teams from both children’s and adult services
✨ Ask questions in a relaxed and open space
✨ Hear from ‘experts by experience’ about what to expect
✨ Connect with other families on a similar journey

📅 Sunday 12 October 2025
📍 Aerospace Bristol
🎟️ Free to attend but booking is essential

There will be separate sessions for parents/carers and for young people, each one designed to be clear, supportive and reassuring.

While this first event is just for families linked to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, we hope to expand and run similar events with other hospitals across the UK in future.

🔗 Book your free place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-adult-care-information-connection-event-tickets-1516737104509

🌟 We’re really excited to launch something brand new! 🌟

Thanks to funding from Awards for All, we’re holding our first ever ‘Transition to Adult Care: Information & Connection Event’ in partnership with the brilliant paediatric neurosurgery team at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children 🧠💬

This is the first event of its kind. It’s just for children and young people (aged 12 to 15) with hydrocephalus who are under the care of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, along with their families and carers.

The aim is to help families feel more prepared and supported when moving from children’s to adult neurosurgical care.

✨ Meet the teams from both children’s and adult services
✨ Ask questions in a relaxed and open space
✨ Hear from experts about what to expect
✨ Connect with other families on a similar journey

📅 Sunday 12 October 2025
📍 Aerospace Bristol
🎟️ Free to attend but booking is essential.

There will be separate sessions for parents/carers and for young people, each one designed to be clear, supportive and reassuring.

While this first event is just for families linked to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, we hope to expand and run similar events with other hospitals across the UK in future.

🔗 Book your free place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-adult-care-information-connection-event-tickets-1516737104509



Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

15/08/2025

The deadline to apply to become a Youth Ambassador has been EXTENDED! You now have until the 25th of August! 👇

We shared in a recent post of ours, how much we value the young people involved in our hospital. They spark conversations, shadow staff and get involved in judging panels for fun projects like Staff Awards and Fancy Dress. And this could be you! 🥰

Youth Ambassadors have an important role in our hospitals and are involved in making sure the voice of young people is heard in decision-making contexts in the hospitals. 🗣

If you would like to be a part of our wonderful team and are aged 14-21 or have any questions (no matter how big or small), please contact our Young Persons Involvement Worker at Sara.Reynolds@UHBW.nhs.uk or you can complete the application form here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=dlg22ethzEunZJFACjBCc8bxj7_3kXNNoJ_jVMG6P75UQVRIRlM0TzBHNE9IVjhOWVhWVE5GM01OMC4u&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawMJVKNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHtn2NTL5F7_pxoDUKtpIA_-7ol6ixOyAwNEGbeKnGziwl1z2qfnjWX2jKtoy_aem_dmik0E-ON-qT4_Pub0-8ug

12/08/2025

Today is and we are taking the time to shout out our wonderful hospital Youth Involvement Group and Youth Ambassadors! ⭐

These groups have been vital in the progression of our patient-led care. They have been involved in the recruitment process for new members of staff, implementing new features and facilities in our hospital and relaying all-important feedback to our board. 🗣

We are so grateful for their commitment and care for the hospital. Their voices are essential to us, and we love seeing what they get up to during the year! 🥰

We are always looking for more young people to join us! So, if you’re interested in being part of some incredible work or just have some questions about all of this, please contact our Youth Development Worker, Sara, at Sara.Reynolds@uhbw.nhs.uk. 📝

08/08/2025

Captain Cortex has been settling in well to life here in the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and even made time in the schedule, to meet Angelo and mum Lauren – the family who nominated it’s name all those months ago! 🥰

Meeting in Coastguard Theatres up on Level 4, Angelo was greeted by Dani who gave us a tour around the ward, showed us some cool machines and technology, introduced us to some more of the team and then granted permission to spend some time in an operating theatre alongside Captain Cortex! 👇

Angelo was so excited to look around, get put into some scrubs and meet some of the cool team – he even had a page full of questions in his notebook, to ask them! We hope you loved your time here Angelo and had all your questions answered! 🗣

Have a scroll through the pictures below, to see Angelo’s morning with Captain Cortex and the wonderful team. ⭐️

Thank you to the amazing team up in Coastguard for a brilliant morning! ❤

06/08/2025

Have you been following the Gromit Unleashed trail this summer? 🎉

Well, now's your chance to see all your favourites sculptures together one last time at The Greatest Dog Show on Earth® 3, with tickets now live:​ https://link.grandappeal.org.uk/exhibition3

Since our dedicated charity Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal launched its first sculpture trail 2013, when the loveable Aardman characters first hit the streets of Bristol, you've help generate over £20 million for the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and St Michael's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This money has provided free accommodation that can be a lifeline for families far from home; life-saving equipment; groundbreaking research and developments; child-friendly enhancements to the hospital, and so much more. 🥰

Every sculpture selfie, every donation, every fundraiser and every sponsor supporting The Grand Appeal helps change young lives across the South West. 💙

We're the official charity for Bristol Children's Hospital. Help us fund life-saving care and world-class facilities for sick children and their families.