We are seeing an increase in the number of children with RSV and expect these numbers to continue to grow as large numbers of children are exposed to viruses that they have not yet experienced. You will know that NHS England has been planning for a potential rise in paediatric respiratory infections since April 2021, with paediatric units bringing forward their usual winter planning, escalation and emergency processes which will support an increased capacity in terms of beds, workforce and ward supplies.
We all have a part to play in caring for children who present with RSV effectively and helping to educate parents on how to be confident about caring for their unwell child. To support you with this we have developed:
- an online resource for professionals bringing together referral and escalation pathways along with links to relevant training and other useful resources
- an online resource for parents including the unwell child leaflet to help parents access the right care at the right time
We ask all healthcare professionals involved in the care of young children to familiarise yourself with the pathways and help to promote the online resources to parents you come into contact with.