Specialist books are supporting children in understanding what happens in the ICU

Through specialist books, children and young siblings of patients who are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are being supported even when they are away from the ward. 

These books, which are created by a charity called ICU Steps but funded by your donations, are helping staff across Adult and Paediatric Intensive Care Units support young patients in understanding how the ICU works and build a connection with their loved one who is being looked after in hospital. 

The ICU can be a scary place for children, especially when someone they love is connected to numerous machines and wires. The noises, unfamiliar environments and people they don’t know can add to an already anxious and worrying time. By using these books, parents or guardians can help to prepare children if they choose to visit the ward. 

For those who don’t wish to visit the ward, the books help build up a valuable connection to their loved ones through various activities, including filling out the ‘my special person’ page, where children are encouraged to draw or add a photo of their loved one. 

One of the most important parts of the book is the guide to what the intensive care set-up looks like. It shows a similar set-up to that at Nottingham’s Intensive Care Unit, including all the machines that their loved ones may be connected to, to receive the best care possible. 

Sometimes these books are used for adults or older children with learning difficulties or neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as siblings of patients being treated on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Kate Whittle, Family Liaison Nurse at the Adult Intensive Care Unit, said: “Thanks to Nottingham Hospitals Charity, we’re able to support children and their parents and carers through these special books produced by ICU Steps. The books and the supporting information sheet for parents and carers provides guidance and clarity that helps children to understand about what is happening to their loved one. 

“Through various activities within the book, children can build a connection with their loved one whether they choose to visit the ward or not. We’re so grateful to be able to continue to support the families of our patients in this way thanks to the generosity of donations.”

Accompanying these books are guidance letters which help parents and guardians answer any questions their child may have, as well as providing additional resources they might need. 

Your donations will continue to support children across Nottingham hospitals. If you would like to donate to support important projects like these, please click the button below.