West Midlands Paediatric Anaesthesia Network Event Showcases Innovations and Best Practice in Child Anaesthetic Care
The West Midlands Paediatric Anaesthesia Network gathered for a full-day event aimed at advancing knowledge, collaboration, and innovation in paediatric anaesthetic care.
Chaired by Dr Kate Thomas, Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the event brought together specialists from across the region to share insights, case studies, and updates from the field.
The day began with Dr Martin Samuels (University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust) a talk on Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children, providing a detailed look into diagnosis and treatment approaches.
Ms Kate Stephenson, Consultant ENT Surgeon, discussed Surgical Decision-Making in Paediatric Tonsillectomy, highlighting evolving criteria and outcomes. Followed by an insightful session on Acute Pain Management jointly led by Catalina Stendall and Nicola Davis, offering practical strategies for frontline clinicians.
Dr Laurence Hulatt (APAGBI Honorary Secretary) shared vital guidance on Resuscitation and Stabilisation in General Hospitals, tailored for generalist anaesthetists. Followed by Helen Daley, ST6 Anaesthetist, presented an engaging trainee case titled “Case of a Coroner’s Clot”.
The morning concluded with a powerful presentation on Martha’s Rule by Natalie Read, Lead Nurse at the West Midlands Children’s Network, highlighting the importance of patient advocacy and escalation processes.
After lunch and networking, the afternoon sessions continued to deliver high-value content; Dr Andrea Cooper gave an important update on PaediCRID, the regional paediatric critical care research and innovation database. Amy Norrington, explored how to Individualise Anaesthetic Care for Autistic Children, a session well-received for its practical takeaways.
A look into the future came with Chloe Dixon from SyncVR Medical UK, who demonstrated the growing role of Virtual Reality in Clinical Practice.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and closing remarks from Dr Thomas, rounding off a day packed with learning, collaboration, and fresh perspectives on paediatric anaesthesia.
The West Midlands Paediatric Anaesthesia Network extends its thanks to all speakers, participants, sponsors and organisers for their contributions to a successful event.
*Sponsors did not influence the agenda of this day
