Who are Friends of PICU? Friends of PICU is a registered charity, set up in 2006 by nursing staff and parents of children who have been cared for on PICU.
We aim to support the children and their families, by providing vital equipment and services that are not normally provided by the statutory authorities. The charity maintains the family accommodation on the unit, which has recently undergone a major refurbishment program.
The charity is also funding a psychologist for a period of 3 years to provide help to children and their families.
We buy equipment that PICU needs to maintain the high standards of care that exist – these are some of our recent purchases:
Oxygen Head boxes (maintains required oxygen levels for babies)
Bedside trolleys
Sofa for waiting room
Biliblanket (for the treatment of neonatal jaundice)
Digital camera and printer for the Bereavement team.
Electronic games for the older children
Apnoea Alarms (to detect breathing in babies)
Breast pumps
Sonisite Machine (to detect blood vessels)
SIPAP (for non-invasive ventilation of babies)
Bereavement memory boxes
Comfy chairs for parents
We also provide every child on PICU with an Elephant.
Equipment purchases are only half of the picture. Whilst it is true that the majority of our funds go towards buying the life-saving equipment that is not provided by the statutory authorities, we go a lot further than this. We buy arts and crafts “stuff” for the children, socks to keep small feet (and hands) warm and portable DVD players for the older children.
The psychologist provides support for patients, families and staff on the Unit. Many people find that the experience of time on PICU can be traumatic. Our psychologist can help people to discuss their feelings and help them to reconcile these feelings.
All of our activities and purchases depend on generosity and fundraising, so please donate now! 
