Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has introduced a new role to strengthen support for critically ill and injured children and their families and is delighted to announce the appointment of Jo Petheram as Lead Nurse for Children’s Care.
With 12% of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s patients being children, this innovative appointment champions the needs of young patients and aims to improve the scope and quality of their care.
Jo is a mother, a children’s nurse and a formal advocate for paediatric care. She began working in Southampton Hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in 2010 and has been part of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s Patient and Family Liaison Team since 2018. Her role focuses specifically on supporting the children cared for by the charity’s critical care team, as well as their families and siblings.
With an approach specifically tailored for children, Jo’s work brings comfort and positivity during challenging times. She aims to soften a journey that is often marked by sharp edges and complexity; a complexity that requires specialist attention when addressed within the context of young patients.
Her methods include providing visits to the charity’s airbase, specialist certificates, information packs and art activities, emotional support signposting and even a specially designed cuddly toy that creates a physical connection to the care that was provided.
She also supports children and their families on their journey to recovery by signposting them to appropriate charities and organisations, such as bereavement support services and talking therapies, to ensure they have access to the emotional resources they need.
Beyond the direct care that Jo provides, she plays a vital role in shaping the wider system of support for children on their journey from pre-hospital care, hospital treatment, and onwards into the community. By liaising with the children’s hospitals, the children’s transport services, children’s specialist care networks and community services, she can ensure the best possible pathways for children’s care.
Jo Petheram, Lead Nurse for Children’s Care at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to support children and families, strengthen ambulance service collaboration across our regional healthcare networks and fundamentally improve pathways of care for children. I have a real passion and knowledge base about critically ill and injured children and how they are looked after. This role allows me to focus purely on supporting the children and families cared for by our service and fill in any gaps about their care.”
Dr Phil Hyde, Medical Director at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said:
“What makes Jo’s role particularly special is how it combines the regional reach of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s critical care service with her highly specialist experience, knowledge, skills and professional relationships. Focusing on improving care for children who receive pre-hospital critical care is expected to have significant positive effects on broader children’s care.”