BPSU | RCPCH

BPSU

The British Paediatric Surveillance Unit is a world leading centre for rare paediatric disease surveillance. It enables doctors and researchers to investigate how many children in the UK and Republic of Ireland are affected by particular rare diseases, conditions or treatments each year.

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BPSU study - invasive Group B streptococcal disease (iGBS)

Surveillance of invasive Group B streptococcal (iGBS) disease in infants aged under 90 days across the UK and Ireland will begin in November 2026. The study will provide updated information on the burden, clinical presentation, outcomes and microbiology of iGBS and provide contemporary evidence to i...

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BPSU study - Tenfold (under and over) medication errors in children and young people

The surveillance of tenfold medication errors is to commence in the November 2026 card. The study is led by Dr Charlotte King and will identify the frequency and causes of tenfold medication errors (both overdoses and underdoses) occur in hospitalised children and young people. The findings will inf...

Drugs and medicines

BPSU

News

Two centuries of child health research and four decades of rare disease surveillance: Join the UCL200/BPSU40 symposium

21 August 2026

This September, two major milestones in child health come together at a special symposium exploring the past, present and future of childhood rare disease research. Join us on Tuesday 22 September in London.

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BPSU publishes first five-year report showcasing the impact of rare disease surveillance

1 July 2026

The British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU)’s report brings together the Unit's achievements between 2021 and 2025 and demonstrates how national surveillance of rare childhood conditions is improving research, informing policy and supporting clinical care across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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Seeing the rare: why surveillance matters

27 February 2026

Each year on the last day of February, Rare Disease Day shines a light on conditions that affect millions worldwide; conditions that most doctors may never encounter. For many families, rarity can mean long diagnostic journeys and uncertainty.

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25,000 members and growing: opportunities and what’s next - President's Update

26 January 2026

In this update, RCPCH President, Steve Turner, brings together the latest news, opportunities and developments shaped by and for RCPCH members.

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Welcoming in the new year - President's update

12 January 2026

Steve reflects on the challenges and opportunities facing child health at the start of the new year, from winter pressures to progress in vaccination and public health. He also highlights the importance of clinical leadership, opportunities to get involved and celebrate our members as the College ma...

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Reflecting on 2025 and looking to the new year - President's update

16 December 2025

As winter pressures intensify and the health landscape continues to shift, we reflect on a year of meaningful progress, collective achievement and continued advocacy for children and young people.

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Advocacy wins, momentum and what comes next - President's update

1 December 2025

Over recent months, RCPCH has been at the forefront of major progress for paediatrics and children and young people across the UK.

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Training, vaccines and the future of paediatrics - President's update

3 November 2025

As we move into the final months of 2025, it’s a period of both reflection and momentum across the child health community. From major developments in medical training reform to important updates in the UK vaccination schedule, there’s a great deal shaping how we continue to deliver the best care for...