1. Oxford Children’s Hospital
Cat Belfield
Practice Development Sister – Children’s Directorate
Natalie Monger
Sister – Children’s HDU

2. Why work at the Oxford Children’s Hospital?
Opened in 2007
Bright and spacious built with the needs of children and their families in mind
Many facilities….sensory room, parents accommodation, designated radiology dept, playrooms on every ward, outdoor play area on each floor

3. Surgical Wards
Tom’s Ward-18 bedded ward caring for children under urology, trauma, orthopaedics, neonatal surgery and general surgery
Robin’s Ward-14 bedded ward caring for children with neurological conditions or requiring neurosurgery, ENT, craniofacial or plastic surgery.

4. Medical Wards
Bellhouse-Drayson-18 bedded ward caring for children under acute paediatrics or with cardio-respiratory and gastroenterology conditions.
Children’s Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)
Kamran’s Ward-specialises in oncology and haematology. Has 9 inpatient beds plus a day care service.
Melanie’s Ward-12 bedded adolescent ward caring for teenagers under all specialities.
Children’s ward at the Horton Hospital in Banbury
Mels-focus on psycho-social care. Interest in behavioural problems and mental health conditions that occur alongside physical conditions

5. Ambulatory Care
Has three main areas-Children’s Day Care Ward, Children’s Outpatient’s at the Oxford Children’s Hospital and Children’s Outpatients at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.
The Day Care Ward has a fast turnover and takes a wide range of children having medical surgical procedures, as well as specialised infusions, allergy challenges and endocrine tests.

6. Critical Care
PHDU-9 bedded unit taking children from all specialities, including high risk elective surgery or the deteriorating child from the ward. The ward also manages complex children on non-invasive ventilation.
PICU-8 bedded unit providing intensive care for the region. Runs a retrieval service with Southampton.

7. Neonatal Care New unit opened in 2013
The OUH Neonatal Unit is one of the largest tertiary neonatal centres in the UK accepting referrals from near and far.
Has on-site transport services providing a vital link with other units throughout the country and sometimes beyond!
The unit benefits from leading- edge research and technology and is involved in many clinical trials.
Contact Laura Willoughby, clinical Nurse Manager for neonates for more information

8. What to expect
Newly qualified staff will have a 1 year Foundation Programme. This consists of:
Skills based study days
Ensuring all newly qualified nurses finish their first year with key core skills. E.g. Catheterisation, tracheostomies, orthopaedics, diabetes, advanced respiratory management, IDT, IV, PILS
Preceptorship issues
All new nurses allocated a preceptor to work alongside and discuss career development. S.D’s incorporated into F.P based on developing management skills. E.g. Time management, managing stress, dealing with complaints, Human Factors

9. What to expect (cont) Clinical Supervision-
Trust policy all staff should be offered C. S.- enables clinical staff adequate supervision and the ability to debrief and learn constructively from situations that they experience within their work environment. Offers Peer support in the Foundation Programme.
Service Improvement Project –
Look at an area in your practice that needs improving, research, audit, present findings at the end of the programme.
Consists of S.D’s over the year and results in creditation at the end to say you have completed it.

10. Rotation Programme Returned to Children’s Services in Sept ‘15.
13 places
Consists of 3 “rotations” lasting 4 months each over 1 year.
Everyone gets 1 choice that they are definitely honoured (preferably as a last rotation.)
Consists of a range of medical, surgical, ambulatory care, high care wards.

11. Rotation Programme-Ward groups

12. Further Learning Opportunities
Support from Practice Development Sister/ward based C.E’s
Band 5 Development Days for newly qualified staff covering medical, surgical and critical care skills.
Working alongside Oxford Brookes University, we offer opportunities to further education/courses such as mentorship. Further courses that are relevant to the areas of work are also available, neuro, oncology, psychosocial, HDU and PICU.
PDS – Available to discuss learning needs and facilitate peer support
Courses -

13. Oxford, the ‘city of dreaming spires’ is steeped in a rich and fascinating history. Famous for its prestigious Oxford University, the city is home to its 38 colleges whereby many notable scholars have emerged. The Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Bridge of Sighs make up just a few of the famous picturesque buildings of Oxford. Its charming scenery has been the inspiration for many, including Lewis Carroll and J.R.R Tolkien. There are also many recognisable scenes from popular films such as Harry Potter and TV series like Inspector Morse. By day, Oxford is a quiet, peaceful city. But when the sun goes down, the city comes alive with vibrant bars, clubs and music venues.

14. We like to socialise too!

15. Contact Us
If you would like anymore information or would like to arrange an informal visit, please contact us
Natalie Monger /
Cat Belfield
We are holding an open day on Monday 21st December come and look around!! 