RCPCH Conference 2025 - Access sessions and the app

Content from day 1 - Wednesday 26 March

08:45-10:15 - Welcome, abstract presentations and plenary from Dr Chris van Tulleken on childhood obesity

08:45-08:50 | Welcome from RCPCH President Professor Steve Turner

08:50 - 09:00 | Welcome from Lord Provost

09:00 - 09:10 | RCPCH &Us welcome

09:10 - 09:50 | Keynote speaker: Dr Chris van Tulleken, Ultra processed food: function, mechanism and purpose

09:50 - 10:15 | Abstract presentations: Three of this year’s top scoring abstracts take to the stage in the exciting Pecha Kucha presentation style

• 09:50 - 09:56 PED-TV: Making every contact count. A quality improvement project transforming our Paediatric Emergency Department waiting room into an educational experience. Abstract 8033 presented by Dr Salima Yasmin.
• 09:56 - 10:02 An association between allergy and neurodivergence in childhood: findings in a UK birth cohort. Abstract 7772 presented by Dr Isra Husain.
• 10:02 - 10:08 Safeguarding 16-17 olds presenting to the adult Emergency Department - are we protecting this vulnerable age group? Abstract 7967 presented by Dr Shivali Jain.  

10:08 - 10:15 | Abstract Q&A

11:00 - 12:15 - A Sustainable Paediatric Workforce: How can we improve future medical staffing?

Creating a sustainable clinical paediatric workforce is key to ensuring delivery of a high-quality service and staff wellbeing. In this workshop, we will provide an overview of the paediatric workforce pulling information from various data sources; while exploring the gaps that currently exist and how we can collectively foster an environment for change.  This will be an interactive session where we look to the clinical paediatric workforce to tell us about their local experiences, where they believe the real needs are and what we as a College can do to help effect change at a local and national level. 

11:00 - 12:15 - Safeguarding children and young people beyond the acute ward: tips & tricks

This workshop will explore how child health professionals working in acute settings can support children and young people with potential safeguarding concerns beyond the children’s ward. This will include children seen by surgical specialities and young people 16-17 years admitted on adult wards. The workshop will cover different management approaches, multi-professional working with non-paediatric teams and review of relevant legislation. With the NHS long term plan paving the way for a 0-25y approach to health, this workshop offers paediatric health professionals a chance to look beyond traditional paediatric services to get the best outcomes for children and young people.

11:00 - 12:15 - Sudden child deaths masterclass; using science to understand investigations and risk factors.

This workshop aims to improve the quality of child death review, to understand why children die suddenly and unexpectedly and ultimately prevent future deaths.  Paediatricians are central to this process. We will cover current scientific knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and risk factors for sudden unexplained infant and child deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).  We will look at using this knowledge to inform investigation (including history-taking, conducting home visits and death scene examinations with police), supporting confident interpretation of infant sleep situations. Recent innovations including genetic testing will also be discussed.

11:00 - 12:15 - Justice for children, families and colleagues: essential medicolegal skills for all.

There is a serious shortage of experienced paediatricians prepared to act as experts and an acute need to recruit. This workshop will describe how to get involved, deal with lawyers, develop skills in report-writing and courtroom appearance and organise a medicolegal practice. The workshop will cover both civil litigation for alleged negligence and safeguarding work for the Family Courts. The work is stimulating and rewarding and contributes to the GMC domains of maintaining good medical practice. 

13:45–14:45 - Illingworth-Rees Memorial Lecture Plenary from Professor Monica Lakhanpaul on the Covid-19 legacy

13:45-13:50 | Welcome from the Chair

13:50-14:30 | Keynote speaker: Professor Monica Lakhanpaul, The Covid-19 legacy: insights for child health

14:30 - 14:45 | Prize presentation ceremony: PAFTAs, Research Awards and Dr Michael Blacow Memorial Prize.

15:30 - 17:45 - British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA) & British Paediatric Respiratory Society (BPRS)

Advancing Sleep Care in Neuromuscular Disorders: Impacts on Respiratory and Neurological Health - Professor Nitin Kapur, Consultant Respiratory & Sleep Paediatrician, President, Paediatrics & Child Health Division, The Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Queensland Children’s Hospital

Advances and Outcome in Neuromuscular Treatment - Dr Shuko Joseph Consultant Paediatric Neurologist & NHS Research Scotland Fellow, Royal Hospital for Children.

Abstract presentation topics:

• Outcomes of epilepsy in children under two years: a Scottish population-based study
• Amniotic fluid-induced mesenchymal differentiation of neural progenitors may contribute to the pathogenesis of spina bifida.
• Paediatric empyema – Keeping up with the changing microbial landscape. 
• Effects of Gene Therapy on Respiration in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
• The effectiveness of palivizumab in reducing the risk of paediatric asthma: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada

15:30 - 17:45 - International Child Health Group

Optimising newborn care and survival in low-resource settings: real-time data and community voices driving better clinical decisions - Professor Michelle Heys, Professor of Global Child Health, University College London.

Vaccine innovations for global child health - Professor Ed Clarke, Professor of Paediatric Infection, Immunity & Global Health, MRC Unit the Gambia at LSHTM.

ICHG Research Award Winner 2024

Abstract presentation topics:

• Physiotherapy and Outreach Program Lesotho: Creating Assistive Equipment in a Low Resource Setting
• The effect of catch-up growth on developmental outcomes in SGA children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
• Exploring the feasibility of a polyvalent antivenom based on preserved protein homology for Phospholipase A2 in snakes from the Indian Sub-Continent
• What are the implications of kangaroo mother care and how might this be improved in Banjul, The Gambia, according to healthcare workers?
• Barriers and Facilitators to Paediatric Tuberculosis Management in India: a systematic review
• Evaluation of paediatric triage implementation in 12 government hospitals: a quality improvement initiative within the RCPCH Global Nepal programme

15:30 - 17:45 - Paediatric Clinical Leaders: Designing and delivering outstanding health services for children and young people

Leadership and scholarship strategies for more equitable paediatric healthcare delivery - Dr. Valerie L. Ward, Senior Vice President, Paediatric Health Equity Strategies; Director, Boston Children's Sandra L. Fenwick Institute for Paediatric Health Equity & Inclusion; and Chief Health Equity Officer, Boston Children's Hospital, USA; Assistant Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, USA.

Designing the hospitals of the future for children and young people - Dr Rahul Chodhari, Consultant Paediatrician, Associate Medical Director for Healthcare Innovation & Research, NHS England New Hospitals Programme

Abstract presentation topics:

• Evaluating access of the Providing Assessment and Treatment for Children at Home (PATCH) programme
• Establishing & delivering a new paediatric bone marrow transplant service
• A two year Service Evaluation of a Paediatric Short Stay Unit in a busy District General Hospital in the UK
• Involving Parents in Child Death Review, the use of implementation theory to improve practice
• Selective and Restrictive Eating Workshop: A Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Approach to Supporting Children and Families with Limited Diets
• Are virtual wards for children safe and effective?: A three-year retrospective service evaluation of an urban Hospital at Home service for paediatrics

15:30 - 17:45 - Child Protection Special Interest Group

National review into child sexual abuse within the family environment - Dr Alison Steele, Consultant General Paediatrician and member of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the Children’s Commissioner for England - Joe Lane, Children’s Commissioner for England, Deputy Director for Projects and Delivery Child protection resource update - Dr Lucy Killian, Consultant Paediatrician and named doctor for safeguarding, RCPCH Child Protection Evidence Co-Lead. Child Protection Standing Committee update - Professor Andrew Rowland, RCPCH Officer for Child Protection. Abstract presentation topics:

• Simulation training for effective safeguarding communication in a large teaching hospital Student View on Violent Forms of Discipline in Schools: A study from northern Sri Lanka
• The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and the Children’s Commissioner for England
• Use of medical photography during child protection medical examination- a single center experience
• Is there a characteristic pattern for subdural hemorrhage in children with benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces: a systematic review
• A descriptive analysis of the children and young people seen at a UK Child House

Content from day 2 - Thursday 27 March

08:45-10:15 - Plenary from Dr Peter Lachman on patient safety

08:45-08:55 | Welcome from the Chair

09:00-09:40 | Keynote speaker: Dr Peter Lachman, Inspiring a culture of patient safety

09:35-10:15 | Abstract presentations: Three of this year’s top scoring abstracts take to the stage in the exciting Pecha Kucha presentation style

• 09.35 - 09.41 Multi-modal interventions to reduce conflict and tension across inpatient care in a children's hospital 2019-2024. Abstract 8173 presented by Dr Rachel Amos.  
• 09.41 - 09.47 Developing a toolkit to support parents’ involvement in child death review: an experience-based co-design study. Abstract 7904 presented by Dr Joanna Garstang.  
• 09.47 - 09.53 Scan the line project- real time POCUS (point of care ultrasound) for central venous line tip confirmation in NICU.Abstract 8087 presented by Dr Rashida Javed.  

09:55-10:05 | Abstract Q&A

10:05 - 10:15 | Visiting Fellows Awards

11:00 - 12:15 - Child oral health: is it my business? 

Oral health is integral to the overall health of children. Tooth decay is preventable but continues to have significant consequences. Poverty and issues around health literacy are known risk factors that impact on overall health including oral health.  This 2025 workshop will build on the 2024 success. It will build a responsible team around the healthy child that includes oral health. There will be short talks, patient story video and time dedicated to discussion enabling delegates to pledge what they can do in their local area and the facilitators will share how they can be supported to achieve the pledge.

11:00 - 12:15 - Here, air, everywhere: practice-based solutions to the problem of air pollution

This workshop takes a practical, action-based approach to addressing air pollution through interactive sessions aimed at enhancing knowledge and communication skills. Build your knowledge with scientific data on air pollution and its effects on children’s health.

Climate change and air pollution pose significant threats to child health, but tackling them together brings benefits, including cleaner air. In the communication section, we’ll explore barriers to discussing air pollution and strategies for effective clinical communication. In the advocacy section, you'll learn how to apply your knowledge to advocate effectively, with tips and resources for regional, national, and international efforts.

11:00 - 12:15 - Understanding Birthmarks: A Paediatrician's Guide to Diagnosis and Care 

This workshop is tailored for paediatricians to enhance their understanding of birthmarks, focusing on the management of infantile haemangiomas, port wine stains, congenital melanocytic naevi and other vascular anomalies. We will explore the latest approaches to diagnosis, treatment options and long-term care strategies. Attendees will gain practical skills in differentiating between various types of birthmarks and understanding their potential complications. Through case studies and expert-led discussions, this workshop will equip paediatricians with the essential tools to improve patient outcomes in the early recognition and management of these common yet complex conditions.

11:00 - 12:15 - Designing solutions with parent carers for children with complex medical needs

The CoLab Partnership brings together parents and professionals to transform healthcare for children with medical complexity. This workshop focuses on parent experience of caring for children with medical complexity and explores individual and organisational changes needed to enhance their journey.  Often it is small changes that have the biggest impact on experience. Come and hear about what matters to parents, share ideas about local and system change and help us refine the educational work that we are doing to better meet your needs. 

13:45 - 16:00 - Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine (APPM) & Paediatric Critical Care Society (PCCS)

Burdens of intensive care: children are in PICU for longer even when dying - by Dr Adrian Plunket, Paediatric Intensivist, Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The Last Journey - End of life transport from PICU to home or hospice, by Jo Davies, Retrieval Nurse Practitioner, South Thames Retrieval Service (20 mins talk)

When, why and how can Palliative Care be achieved in PICU - by Dr Jonathan Downie, Consultant in Paediatric Palliative Medicine, Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow and Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) with A parent’s perspective of their child’s journey with palliative care – Parent from Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow.

Abstract presentation topics:

• Predictive factors for failure of HHFNC and comparing their efficacy in predicting failure in respiratory distress in paediatric patients
• 2025 Updated Code for the Diagnosis and Confirmation of Death in Infants, Children and the Adolescent
• Development of a kidney function supplement to the APPM formulary The importance of keyworkers in supporting families’ involvement in Child Death Review; findings from qualitative interviews with bereaved parents

13:45 - 16:00 - Paediatricians with Expertise in Cardiology Special Interest Group (PECSIG)

Understanding the Presentation of Myocarditis and Cardiomyopathy in Fetal, Neonatal, and Young Children: A Comprehensive Overview- Dr Lindsey Hunter, Consultant Paediatric & Fetal Cardiologist Royal Hospital for Children

Empowering Clinical Decisions with Point-of-Care Cardiac Ultrasound - Dr Bikash Bhojnagarwala, Consultant Neonatologist with expertise in Paediatric cardiology. Medway NHS Foundation Trust

Chest Pain and Syncope in Children: Diagnostic Approaches and Management Strategies - Dr Venugopalan Poothirikovil, Consultant Paediatrician with Cardiology Expertise University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

Abstract presentation topics:

• Comparing Acetaminophen with Indomethacin for Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Necrotising Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates. A Meta-Analysis of Outcomes
• Neuro-developmental outcomes at one year after infant heart surgery for congenital heart disease, a hospital-based multisite prospective cohort study from India
• Audit on neonatal heart murmur referrals to a tertiary cardiology service
• Recognizing Early Signs of Paediatric Myocarditis in District General Hospitals (DGH)

13:45 - 16:00 - British Association of General Paediatrics (BAGP) & General and Adolescent Paediatric Research in the United Kingdom & Ireland (GAPRUKI)

Innovate, Integrate, Inspire: Pioneering the Future of General Paediatrics -  Dr Marianne Leach, Consultant Acute General Paediatrician/Ambulatory care St Georges University Hospital.

Mental Health acute admissions to paediatric wards - an overview of results from the MAPS study - Dr Lee Hudson, Clinical Associate Professor GOS UCL Institute of Child Health, London Consultant General Paediatrician Great Ormond Street Hospital

Adapting the way we work to meet today's needs - Professor Steve Turner, Consultant Paediatrician and RCPCH President.  

Abstract presentation topics:

• Understanding mental health admissions to general paediatric settings: The Mental Health Admissions to Paediatric Wards Study (MAPS)
• The experience of patients and caregivers with a paediatric hospital at home service
• How has paediatric chronic pain management changed over the last decade?
• Paracetamol Overdose Management - A Retrospective Study of Compliance to TOXBASE Guidance and SNAP
• Exploring parental anxiety and family functioning during Whole Genome Sequencing for undiagnosed paediatric rare conditions: A multi-site quantitative survey
• Acute Medical Risk in Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
• RSV Burden on Ireland’s Tertiary Children’s Hospitals: An In-Depth Winter 2023/2024 review.
• Local Child Health Teams increase healthcare access for children with deprivation and unmet need
• Trends in severe enterovirus infection in infants in the West of Scotland: a clinical surveillance study 2019, 2022 and 2023

13:45 - 16:00 - Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS)

Paediatric QI and patient safety in Scotland, Dr Sonia Joseph Consultant Paediatrician, Clinical Director for Medical Paediatric Specialties NHS Lothian and Strategic National Clinical Lead Paediatrics and Neonatology, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Timothy Shearman Improvement Advisor, Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Connecting Impact Framework with local QI, Dr Sonia Joseph Consultant Paediatrician, Clinical Director for Medical Paediatric Specialties NHS Lothian and Strategic National Clinical Lead Paediatrics and Neonatology, Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Abstract presentation topics:

• One and Done! Ensuring Successful Blood Sampling in Infants Under 1 Month
• Establishment of a dedicated paediatric cardiology clinic for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in a UK tertiary children’s hospital
• Stop Points for Safety in Southampton Children’s Hospital
• Improving confidence amongst Paediatric Trainees at PAU referrals by Targeted Training
• A human factors approach to improving the preassessment anaesthetic passport tool for paediatric patients with additional support needs
• A Multidisciplinary QI Project to aid Implementation of Criteria Led Discharge in Acute Medical Admission Unit (AMAU) in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin

16:45-18:00 - Plenary from Professor Nitin Kapur on patient-centric care

16:45-16:50 | Welcome from the Chair

16:50-17:30 | Keynote speaker: Professor Nitin Kapur, Patient-centric care: reflections on Ryan's rule and beyond

17:30-18:00 | Awards: Awards: Honorary Fellows, James Spence Medal, Members Awards

Content from day 3 - Friday 28 March

08:00 - 08:30 - Medicines for Children - the future is here!

Majority of what paediatricians do is prescribe medicines. For liquid specials and caring for children with medical complexities, getting medicines and knowing what they are on is often messy, unsafe and inconvenient. Discover how your patients can benefit from new Medicines for Children app and future of medicine innovations and QI such as micro tablets and 3D medicine printing. The new app offers: Personalised medication schedule with reminders, dosage tracking, secure health records to maintain a digital log and bespoke medicines chart to print or share online with healthcare professionals and carers. 

08:45-10:00 - Plenary from Mr Stephen Tomlin on sustainable medicines

08:45-08:50 | Welcome from the Chair

08:50-09:30 | Keynote speaker: Mr Stephen Tomlin, A prescription for change: sustainable medicines for children

09:30-10:00 | Abstract presentations: Three of this year’s top scoring abstracts take to the stage in the exciting Pecha Kucha presentation style

• 09.30 - 09.36 Every dose Counts, thinking about sustainable prescribing.Abstract 8236 presented by Dr Joseph Pickles.
• 09.36 - 09.42 Can patients read the information we give to them? A single-centre study of the readability of general paediatric patient information leaflets. Abstract 7896 presented by Dr Ellen Thomas and Dr Jack Bennett.
• 09.42 - 09.48 Using creative approaches in clinical practice to help children and adolescents express musculoskeletal pain experiences. Abstract 7857 presented by Dr Rhiannon Joslin.

09:50-10:00 | Abstract Q&A

10:45 - 13:00 - Paediatric Educators' Special Interest Group (PEDSIG)

Striking a different chord - Dr Kathleen Cronie, Conductor, singing teacher, and choral researcher 

What can we learn from inspirational teachers? The PEGSIG PAFTAS PEDSIG committee and nominees Dr Chloe Macaulay, Consultant Paediatrician, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, PEDSIG Chair and Dr Josephine Quaynor, Paediatric Registrar, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

Abstract presentation topics

• The times they are AI changing : A cross-sectional survey of clinical educators’ views on Generative Artificial Intelligence tools in Medical Education.
• Paper versus paperless: maximising timely education feedback achieved through paper forms rather than online equivalent
• Assessing the performance of large language models on the MRCPCH theory exams: implications for medical education
• Development and integration of an AI-Driven tool to enhance paediatric trainees clinical diagnostic reasoning: A case-control study.
• Paediatric undergraduate medical education; is it all just fun and games?

10:45 - 13:00 - British Association for Community Child Health (BACCH) & The Royal College of Psychiatry

Assessing and Supporting Children with Intellectual Disabilities - Dr Ashley Liew, Consultant Paediatric Neuropsychiatrist, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Evelina London Children’s Hospital & Dr Sophie Carter, Consultant Community Paediatrician, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust. 

ARFID (Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) – Do we have the appetite? Dr Gabriel Whitlingum, Consultant Paediatrician in Neurodisability Evelina London Children’s Hospital

Abstract presentation topics:

• Whole blood lead concentrations in children undergoing autism assessment in a community paediatric clinic
• Addressing disparities in paediatric genetic testing: A Systematic review of engagement with underserved communities and barriers to access
• Understanding the therapy needs of children and young people with complex needs across a region in England
• Developing a toolkit for the assessment and management of selective eating in Community Paediatrics

10:45 - 13:00 - British Paediatric and Adolescent Bone Group (BPABG) & British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED)

National UK Guidelines for Managing Paediatric Adrenal Insufficiency: From Sick Day Episodes to Surgery Dr Talat Mushtaq, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist, Leeds General Infirmary

Approach to a Newborn with Suspected Skeletal Dysplasia, Dr Helen McDevitt, Consultant Neonatologist with interest in bone metabolism and Dr Constantinou Panayiotis Consultant in Clinical Genetics, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital

Approach to Neonatal Calcium Disorders, Dr Talat Mushtaq, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist, Leeds General Infirmary

Abstract presentation topics:

• Do children and adolescents with restrictive eating disorders routinely require bone mineral density scanning? A review of international guidelines.
• A novel education tool for a rare condition.  Practical food portions for children with Prader-Willi Syndrome
• The LMSz method: a new automatable method for producing gene specific growth charts for children with genetic neurodevelopmental disorders.

10:45 - 13:00 - Young People's Health Special Interest Group (YPHSIG)

Children and Young People Seeking Asylum and Refugees – using learning from research and practice to change the national conversation Dr Sarah Eisen, Consultant Paediatrician, UCLH/Hospital Tropical Diseases, LSHTM Motaz Amer Expert by experience, University of Glasgow and Dr Bryony Hopkinshaw, Paediatric Registrar UCLH

Driving a new research agenda in adolescent health - Prof. Dougal Hargreaves, Imperial College London & Dr Sophie Khadr. Consultant Paediatrician, Kings College Hospital. 

 Abstract presentation topics:

• The impact of SNAP regime versus standard intravenous N-acetylcysteine regimes on outcomes for young people admitted with self-harm and paracetamol poisoning
• Exploring the barriers to accessing treatment for eating disorders in adolescents: a literature review
• The impact of national PEWS on children and young people admitted for paediatric medical stabilisation of eating disorders.
• Pathway to Equity: young person and us addressing inequality in accessing care
• Efficacy of novel pharmacological treatments for Long Covid in children and young people aged 0-24: a systematic review

14:00-15:15 - Plenary from Dr Stephanie Lamb on adolescent health

14:00-14:05 | Welcome from the Chair

14:05-14:20 | RCPCH & Us 

14:20-15:00 | Keynote speaker: Dr Stephanie Lamb, Integration and innovation for future adolescent health

15:00-15:15 | President Closing Remarks