Children’s Emergency Medicine
The newly established Paediatric Unscheduled Care Steering Group convened in November for its inaugural meeting under the chairmanship of Ciara Martin. The group brings together representatives from regional hospitals, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), nursing and medical staff with expertise in paediatrics and emergency medicine, as well as public health and patient interest representatives.
At the meeting, the Steering Group formally reviewed and approved its Terms of Reference (ToRs), which outline its purpose: to enhance delivery of, and access to, unscheduled care services for children and young people, including those aged 16–17.
Updates from the working group highlighted ongoing mapping of children’s care pathways across 17 sites that treat both adults and children, as well as the presentation of a literature review by Dr. Sean Underwood. Plans are in place for a Focus Group in March 2026 as part of IPEM 2026, and data on paediatric admissions and PET data will be used to support the project.
Looking ahead, quarterly meetings have been scheduled to review progress and ensure alignment with the Steering Group’s strategic objectives. This collaborative effort aims to standardise paediatric emergency care, strengthen care pathways and ensure high-quality, equitable services for children across Ireland. By integrating insights from multiple disciplines and regions, the Steering Group is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of paediatric unscheduled care nationwide.
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