We have a wealth of Special Interest Groups available, across the Thames Valley & Wessex and Kent, Surrey & Sussex network regions. Take a look at the range of options on offer, and feel free to contact the group chair if you’d like to find out more or join one.
Thames Valley and Wessex groups
Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
About the group
The main aim of the forum is to promote and develop Advanced Practice in line with the 4 pillars (Clinical Practice, Leadership, Education and Research) through the sharing of knowledge and experience. The forum also aims to provide peer support to Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioners working within the TVW Network.
Presentations will be available within the TVW Clinical Forum minutes available on the FutureNHS Platform.
How often does the group meet?
A peer support check in chat occurs for one hour every month on MS Teams. Presentation within the TVW Clinical Forum are for 20 minutes three to four times a year as per TVW notification.
Name and job title of group chair
Co-chairs:
Anda Bowring, ANNP and Clinical Audit Lead for Neonatal Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
Marie Lindsay-Sutherland, Senior ANNP and Dr of Clinical Practice, Poole Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset. Marie.Lindsay-Sutherland@uhd.nhs.uk
Useful links
Family Integrated Care
About the group
The Family Integrated Care, or FI Care, group was developed to ensure that parents receive equity of care across the network, ensuring all units are following the same family integrated care path. The group has representation from all 14 neonatal units. We share good practise work together to ensure that units are not working on projects in silo.
The parent voice, through our parent advisory group, threads through all the workstreams we are working on, and are a pivotal part of the FI Care group.
The group also has representation from all the network groups ensuring collaborative working towards achieving the aims of the Neonatal Critical Care Review transformation plans. The group strive to enhance the parent journey through neonatal care, dovetailing projects ensuring seamless care of both babies and families, documentation, and practise.
How often does the group meet?
Bi-monthly on MS Teams
Name and job title of group chair
Lisa Leppard and Sarah Edwards, Lead Care Coordinators – Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal ODN
Palliative Care
About the group
The palliative care group includes professionals from multiple disciplines within the NHS including neonatal, maternity and paediatric services. The group also welcomes third sector teams from local children’s hospices across the region.
The group aim to improve the parent and infant experience by:
- Standardising best practise in family centred palliative care across the network. Recognising barriers to good practise and developing strategies to overcome this.
- Meeting on a regular basis to share practise and explore developments and innovation across all the units within the Network.
- Supporting and guiding each other in achieving best practise.
- Offering peer support through difficult situations.
- Contributing to regional/national palliative care projects, education, and training. Offering training and guidance to teams across the network.
- Sharing knowledge of national projects and support, i.e., MBRRACE (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries), PMRT (Perinatal Mortality Review Tool), CDOP (Child Death Overview Panel), legal issues.
- Ensuring network palliative care guidelines remain current.
How often does the group meet?
Bi-monthly on MS Teams
Name and job title of group chair
Lisa Leppard, Lead Care Coordinator (Wessex) Thames Valley and Wessex ODN and Lead Nurse for Palliative Care
l.leppard@nhs.net
Useful links
BAPM Palliative Care Framework (2010)
Toolkit for High Quality Neonatal Care
Allied Health Professionals and Psychology
About the group
This group is a meeting for Thames Valley and Wessex neonatal practitioners from Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, Dietetics and Psychology.
The meetings allow for the network leads for each specialty to provide network feedback. It also offers the opportunity for support and collaboration across the region, as well as sharing learning.
NOTE: Discipline-specific meetings occur after the joint group meeting. These are led by the network leads with the aim to provide more discipline specific collaboration and peer support.
How often does the group meet?
We meet every four months
Name and job title of group chair
Denise Hart – ODN Lead Physiotherapist
Denise.hart@nhs.net
Zoe Gordon- ODN Lead Speech & Language Therapist
Zoe.gordon@nhs.net
Dr Jacinta Cordwell- ODN Lead Clinical Psychologist
Jacinta.cordwell@nhs.net
Suzannah Hibberd – ODN Lead Pharmacist
Suzannah.hibberd@uhs.nhs.uk
Amanda Lawes – ODN Lead Occupational Therapist
amanda.lawes2@nhs.net
Post vacant – ODN Lead Dietitian
Useful Links
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapy in neonatal services and early intervention
The Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists
Neonatal committee
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Neonatal care overview
British Dietetic Association
Paediatric neonatal specialist subgroup
Guidelines
About the group
The purpose of the group is to co-ordinate the network guidelines that are related to nursing practise and developmental care.
The group’s time and focus is spread across:
- Reviewing and updating existing guidelines, on a 3 year rolling programme, so that all nursing and developmental care guidelines are produced to be high quality and evidence based, but also up to date, accessible, effective and fit for purpose.
- Co-ordinating the process of guideline review, by co-ordinating with groups and authors and others, as required.
- Writing new guidelines when a need is identified.
- Supporting individuals or groups, outside of the guidelines group to write and review guidelines.
- Seeking to promote the network guidelines and their use and uptake, as appropriate, across the network and beyond.
To promote shared practice across the network and improve the consistency of nursing and medical care.
How often does the group meet?
The group meets four times a year on MS Teams.
Each meeting has 2 hours core group meeting for all to attend and then a project/working group meeting for another 4 hours for those released from clinical work to attend the day. For example, 09.00-11.00hrs core group meeting. 11.00-15.00hrs working on guidelines, and other outcomes from the meeting.
Name and job title of group chair
Katherine Reed, Sister, Newborn Care Unit, Oxford katherine.reed@ouh.nhs.uk
Practice Educator
About the group
The group is made up of representatives from each unit within the network who provide education within their own units. We meet to discuss staff development, education programmes (preceptorship and QIS), shared learning, initiatives, and use of resources. We collaborate to work towards the standardisation of education across the region. The meetings are also a good opportunity for peer support.
How often does the group meet?
Every 2 months online and an annual away day in person
Name and job title of group chair
Susi Hill, Education Programmes Co-Lead – Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal ODN
susi.hill1@nhs.net
Lindsey Macfarlane, Education Programmes Co-Lead – Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal ODN
lindsey.macfarlane@nhs.net
Clinical Forum
About the group
The Clinical Forum and Governance Forum provide an opportunity for the Medical and Nurse Leads across Thames Valley and Wessex to discuss issues and share best practise to implement national best practise standards within units across the network
Guest speakers are invited to present on topics such as perinatal optimisation, research and quality improvement projects, audits, new guidelines and national projects. An item is reserved on each agenda for the timely sharing of learning following any incidents within our units. Representatives from the region’s units are also invited to present on any local projects.
How often does the group meet?
Clinical Forums occur twice a year via MS Teams with additional combined Governance/Clinical Forum quarterly meetings. There are also annual mortality and morbidity review meetings.
Name and job title of group chair
Dr Victoria Puddy, Clinical Lead – Thames Valley & Wessex Neonatal ODN
Useful links
British Association of Perinatal Medicine
National Neonatal Audit Programme
Paediatric Innovation, Education and Research Network
Lead Nurse and Practice Educator
About the group
The group membership consists of neonatal matrons, lead nurses, practice educators and clinical facilitators representing each unit in Thames Valley and Wessex. The aim of the group is to collaborate and support on the implementation of national directives such as workforce planning and transformation. One key element is developing and implementing an attraction, recruitment and retention strategy for nursing staff.
The group recently added a ‘spotlight on a unit’ section to each meeting where a unit in the region presents information about their unit and any improvement projects that they have been working on. There is also a ‘spotlight on a role’ section with professionals from quality roles sharing what they do on a day-to-day basis. This has enabled the sharing of knowledge, experience and learning across the region.
How often does the group meet?
Bi-monthly via MS Teams
Name and job title of group chair
Kim Edwards, Lead Nurse and Workforce and Strategy Lead – Thames Valley & Wessex Neonatal ODN
K.Edwards23@nhs.net
Links to relevant external sites
Feeding
About the group
The purpose of the group is to share and standardise feeding practise across the Thames Valley and Wessex neonatal network. A key aim of the group is to work together to achieve UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation network wide. The meetings also offer an opportunity for professionals to provide peer support to each other.
How often does the group meet?
Bi-monthly on MS Teams
Name and job title of group chair
Gillian Denton, Neonatal Feeding Lead, Oxford NICU gillian.denton@ouh.nhs.uk
Useful links
Outreach
About the group
We are a group of professionals (of all bands) working within neonatal outreach services and/or caring for babies both in hospital and in the community. We aim to share best practise, develop, and support one another in our unique roles.
How often does the group meet?
Monthly for ‘Breakfast supervision sessions’ and twice a year for formal agenda meetings.
Name and job title of group chair
Janine Snook, Project Lead for Neonatal Outreach Services – Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal ODN
janine.snook@nhs.net
Useful links
Kent, Surrey and Sussex groups
Clinical Forum and Governance
About the group
The Clinical Forum provides an opportunity for the Medical and Nurse Leads across Kent Surrey Sussex to discuss issues and share best practice to implement national best practise standards within units across the Network
Guest speakers are invited to present on topics such as retinopathy screening, preterm optimisation, research and quality improvement projects, audits, new guidelines and national projects. Representatives from the region’s units are also invited to present on any local projects.
How often does the group meet?
Clinical Forums occur twice a year via MS Teams. There are also annual mortality and morbidity review meetings.
Governance meetings are held quarterly.
Name and job title of group chair
Aung Soe/Peter Reynolds, Joint Clinical Lead, KSS Neonatal ODN via email: medwayft.kssneonatalodn@nhs.net
Research
About the group
The group is attended by the Research Delivery Manager & Continuous Improvement Lead for the KSS CRN and the research lead clinicians/nurses from the Trust providers. The group discusses current research projects/recruitment and progress along with upcoming projects. National benchmarking on progress of clinical trial recruitment is presented.
The aims of the group are:
- Improve the quality, speed and coordination of clinical research
- Further integrate health research and patient care
Promote equality of access
How often does the group meet?
Bi-monthly
Name and job title of group chair
Dr Aung Soe, ODN Clinical Research Lead, email: aung.soe@nhs.net
Links to relevant external sites
- KSSgetresearchready.co.uk – This is a learning platform developed by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex (CRN KSS), Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) and Research Design Service South East (RDS SE). The learning platform designed for early career researchers enables you to explore research within health and social care. The learning resources cover three levels: understanding research, getting involved in research and developing your own research
- nihr.ac.uk – National Institute for Health and Care Research
Transport
About the group
The group is attended by Kent Surrey and Sussex Transport team Leads and South East Coast Ambulance Operational Lead for the service. The group review activity/workforce and transport safety incidents and learning.
How often does the group meet?
Quarterly
Name and job title of group chair
Jennifer Lomas ODN manager
Jennifer.lomas@nhs.net
Dietitian Forum
About the group
The aim of the group is to bring together all Dietitians working within the KSS Neonatal Units to:
- Provide supervision and support with working on a NICU
- Share practice ideas and support with complex cases
- Improve clinical understanding
- Support with strategies to improve workplace dynamics
- Discuss the impact of new research and innovations in the area of neonatal nutrition
- Work with together with parents, as well as other AHP colleagues and the wider MDT within KSS to provide integrated, family centred care
How often does the group meet?
Monthly
Name and job title of group chair
Catherine Casewell, Lead Dietitian for KSS Neonatal ODN: catherine.casewell@nhs.net
Links to relevant external sites
Nutrition Forum
About the group
Aim
- To support promotion of good nutritional practices including parenteral and enteral nutrition considering both short- and long-term outcomes on all infants cared by the neonatal units within Kent, Surrey and Sussex
- To reduce variation and improve quality of care for infants looked after in all Neonatal units within Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Objectives
- To act as a multidisciplinary source of support and knowledge for the units based within the neonatal network on matters of newborn nutrition
- To contribute to writing network guidance, and maintain awareness of changing national guidance
- To provide education sessions on neonatal nutrition
- To contribute to the body of evidence on neonatal nutrition via collaborative data collection
How often does the group meet?
The group meets monthly, alternating between the third Wednesday or Thursday of each month.
Name and job title of group chair
- Dr Vennila Ponnusamy (Neonatal Consultant at ASPH): vennilaponnusamy@nhs.net
- Co chair: Catherine Casewell (Neonatal Dietitian at ASPH): catherine.casewell@nhs.net
Links to relevant external sites
- N3 Neonatal Nutrition Network
- 2021 Nutritional Management of the Critically ill Neonate | ESPGHAN
- Neonatal parenteral nutrition (nice.org.uk)
- KSS Vitamins and Minerals Principles of Practice (once ratified pending 05/04/2023)
- Clinical Education Courses | British Dietetic Association (BDA)
- HEE elfh Hub (e-lfh.org.uk)
- Nutrition for your baby | Bliss
- Baby Friendly Resources – Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk)
- The use of Donor Human Milk in Neonates | British Association of Perinatal Medicine (bapm.org)
- BAPM Webinar: Optimising Early Maternal Breast Milk for Preterm Infants | British Association of Perinatal Medicine
- Optimising Maternal Breast Milk for Preterm Infants Part 2 Webinar | British Association of Perinatal Medicine (bapm.org)
- Hypoglycaemia policy guidelines – Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk)
Nurse Managers
About the group
A meeting to offer support, share best practice, discuss concerns and suggest new initiatives.
How often does the group meet?
Every two months
Name and job title of group chair
Louise Proffitt, Lead Nurse, KSS Neonatal ODN, email: louise.proffitt@nhs.net
Outreach
About the group
The Outreach Group is a forum to share ideas, peer support, discuss challenges and invite speakers of interest to the group.
How often does the group meet?
Quarterly
Name and job title of group chair
Anna Francis KSS Neonatal ODN Lead Care Co-ordinator
annafrancis@nhs.net
Louise Proffitt Lead Nurse KSS ODN
louise.proffitt@nhs.net
Family Integrated Care
About the group
The aim of the group is to bring together FICare leads and service user representatives (PAG, MVP) from the units to share practice ideas, embed and standardise FICare practice and culture across KSS.
How often does the group meet?
Bi-monthly
Name and job title of group chair
Anna Francis, Lead Neonatal Care Co-ordinator, KSS ODN: annafrancis@nhs.net
Physiotherapy forum
About the group
This forum is specifically for PTs working within NNU’s across KSS providing opportunities for support, sharing best practice, developing knowledge and skills base and working together on network wide initiatives.
How often does the group meet?
Quarterly (3x Teams Meetings, 1x Face to Face annually)
Name and job title of group chair
Emma Cave, Physiotherapy Lead, KSS Neonatal ODN: emma.cave@nhs.net
Links to relevant external sites
- APCP
- BAPM
- BANNFU
- BLISS
- Page for resources
- Group Terms of Reference
- Education/Training tools
- Guidelines and proforma’s