Sue Petersen is a modern matron for Paediatrics, which includes the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the 36 bedded Rose ward. After qualifying, Sue initially specialised in adult cardiology, following which she trained as a paediatric nurse at Queen Mary's Hospital, Carshalton. She then moved to Addenbrooke’s, where she was involved in the set up of the hospital’s PICU, before moving to Royal Brompton.

How did you get into nursing?

I had always wanted to be a nurse and to look after children.  As there were few paediatric courses available, I decided to start with adult nursing.  After working in cardiology and cardiac high dependency care for three years, I returned to my original ambition and trained as specialist paediatric nurse. 

After joining Royal Brompton, I spent 12 years as a clinical sister, then started doing project work and some management 'covering' jobs, before gaining promotion to senior nurse and now modern matron.

Can you describe the work of the ward and PICU?

The PICU has 20 beds, including four which are used for sleep study work. The ward has 36 beds, which looks after children requiring specialist cardiac and respiratory care. The majority of the work the paediatric intensive care unit does is elective cardiac surgery for children from premature babies to 16 years of age, but also cares for children requiring respiratory support for other conditions as well. The ward cares for children requiring specialist cardiac and respiratory nursing or medical support both pre and post surgery. Children come in for day case catheters and respiratory investigation or for longer term support of conditions such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. Both areas are very busy but the staff tries to ensure they remain child friendly

What does a typical day involve?

The work is extremely varied. We not only care for children with complex conditions, but get involved with their families, which can be rewarding but also fairly stressful. Care is provided by a large team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and pharmacists. In addition, play therapists, nursery nurses and the family liaison team help us to provide a holistic service to the children and their families. We also have close links with other hospitals within North Thames to cover general paediatric issues as well as other specialities such as neuro and renal services

What does your role as modern matron involve? 

The role of the modern matron is similar across the Trust and focuses on maintaining a clean and safe environment for our patients, staff and visitors.  As modern matrons we work closely with the domestic teams and estates department to ensure that the highest standard of cleanliness are maintained and also work with infection control staff to make sure that everyone follows safe practices. 

What are the best and worse things about your job?

The best thing is the opportunity to work with a motivated multi-disciplinary team in order to promote the highest standards of health care for our patients in a safe environment. The worst aspect is that there is not enough time in the day!

What is the most important weapon against the spread of infections such as MRSA?

Hand washing and appropriate guidance for all.   The emphasis in the paediatrics areas is on teamwork: we are all responsible for the provision of a safe environment and train staff in best practices to promote good patient care.