About Us

The aim of FoPICU

To relieve sickness and to preserve the health of the patients of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Southampton University Hospital, by providing or assisting in provision of equipment, facilities and services not always able to be provided by the statutory authorities.

To contribute to every part of the wellbeing of the child and their family.

Caring for children across our region

Southampton PICU cares for children admitted from 27 referring hospitals across the South of England and the Channel Islands, and from the various children’s wards at Southampton Children’s Hospital.

Our Patrons

We are proudly supported by a wide range of individuals, some of whom have a direct past connection with the PICU, or who have an affinity with the charity through their personal circumstances, family or careers.

Our Trustees

Our Board of Trustees direct and steer the charity, ensuring the decisions made help to make a real difference to the lives of the children and people we support.

Our Staff

We currently have one employee, our Operations Manager Kerry, who is responsible for the day to day operations for Friends of PICU. Kerry would be delighted to hear form you, or tell you more about our charity.

Our History

Founded in November 2006 by parents and nursing staff of the PICU, Friends of PICU has grown due to the generous donations from all of our supporters, and the recognised great care given by the PICU team. We look forward to a future continuing to support improvement in health and family wellbeing, just as we have since our humble beginnings.

Patient and Family Stories

You are not alone. In this section some of our families and patients share their experiences of how the PICU has cared for them, and their journey of support of our charity, Friends of PICU. Each family’s story is different, and there are many topics to write about, but we hope together we can help and provide hope and courage.

Charity Promise

We are immensely proud of the PICU medical and support team, working 24/7 to provide the highest quality care to critically ill children and their families from across the South of England and the Channel Islands.

Children are admitted to the PICU through University Hospital Southampton’s Emergency Department, or theatre’s following surgery, or from 27 District Hospitals via a dedicated PICU ambulance service, helicopter, or aeroplane.

The Trustees believe every child that requires the care and support of the PICU should have the best possible care they need, and through our help and assistance we can provide additional funds to support the medical team.

You, and all of our kind and generous supporters, are the means to help us achieve our goal. With your amazing support our charity continues to grow and the difference we can all make together continues to grow and have a long lasting impact.

Friends of PICU will always abide by our aim and key principals of being open and honest and conducting ourselves correctly in the way you expect us to and to spend your money wisely and appropriately.

Friends of P.I.C.U. for charity supporters:

Friends of P.I.C.U. for charity fundraising:

Donate to Friends of PICU

If you would like to make a donation towards equipment and services, large and small, high cost and low cost, to support lifesaving care for critically ill children and their families please follow this link and you will see the various ways in which you can donate.