The Optimising MRI Pathways for Children Clinical Working Group was established in Autumn 2022 following feedback from clinical colleagues across the South West suggesting it would be beneficial to review MRI practice across the region. MRIs can be conducted either when a child is awake, under sedation, or under general anaesthetic. The aim of the group is to review current practice by sharing resources, guidelines, and practical solutions to support children to undergo awake MRI procedures where appropriate, and reduce the need for general anaesthetic. This working group is a collaboration between the South Paediatric Neurosciences Operational Delivery Network, and the South West and Thames Valley & Wessex Surgery in Children Operational Delivery Networks. The networks aim to ensure that services provided across the region are high quality, patient-focused, and continue to improve to meet the needs of our patients and their families.
An initial ‘Share & Learn Event’ was held on the 9th June 2022. The event aim was to showcase practice across the region and provide a forum for wider discussion – you can watch the event here. The enthusiasm for the event confirmed a high level of clinical interest in this area of service and prompted further plans to support a network group – this is open to all clinical and managerial colleagues across the NHS who wish to come together to share practice and support regional service development.
Please click the links below for more information:

