South Thames Paediatric Network

The South Thames Paediatric Network (STPN) was established in September 2018 following the national review of Paediatric Critical Care and Paediatric Surgery. The STPN is commissioned by and responsible to NHSE specialised commissioning. The Board has representation from each region (South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex) and hosted by Guys & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The STPN is formed of Operational Delivery Networks (ODNs) which aim to ensure that all children in the region have equal access to excellent care and that the workforce is supported to meet future demands. Why work as a Network? Clinical networks are an NHS success story and have been responsible for some significant and sustained improvements in the quality of patient care and the outcomes of their treatment. Combining the experience of clinicians, the input of patients and the organisational vision of NHS staff they have supported and improved the way we deliver care to patients in distinct areas, delivering true integration across primary, secondary and tertiary care. Paediatric services often work within networks, with multiple professionals across numerous organisations involved in meeting the needs of children. Establishing networks for children in our region was therefore a natural step – and so the South Thames Paediatric Network was founded in Autumn 2018. Following the NHS England review of Paediatric Critical Care and Surgery in Children, which recommended the establishment of Operational Delivery Networks (ODNs) for Paediatric Critical Care and Surgery in Children, our network was funded by NHS England London Specialised Commissioning, and we began developing its work programme. Visit our website https://stpn.uk/ for detailed information and educational resources for professionals.