General Information 
BC Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Child Health BC (CHBC) have launched the provincial pediatric critical care outreach, education and follow-up initiative. The ultimate goal is for this project to be transitioned into a lasting provincial program.


Project Goals
Launched in June 2022, this 3-year project is supporting the co-design & development of four work streams which together will provide comprehensive provincial support for pediatric critical illness, regardless of where a patient presents:

  • Education: Create an education strategy to improve the skills of healthcare providers who care for critically ill children.  The Stabilization Essentials in Pediatrics (StEP) course launched in 2023 was created to meet the local needs of healthcare providers in BC.  StEP is an intensive 2-day course lead by PICU faculty for physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists who care for critically ill pediatric patients, usually while they await transport.  The StEP course has focused didactic sessions followed by multiple hands-on high-fidelity simulations and workshops.
  • PICU - Virtual Clinical Support: Establish an easily accessible and reliable video platform to allow interdisciplinary virtual critical care support. This includes remote clinical care for critically ill children, often while they away transfer, and support after critical incidents.
  • Case-driven Education: Establish a provincial process to facilitate the collaborative review and learning from community cases requiring pediatric critical care.  Pediatric Critical Care Learning (PCCL) sessions were launched in June 2023 and provide a monthly, virtual opportunity for a community provider to present a challenging case for provincial learning and discussion, with PICU faculty facilitation.  These sessions are available for any healthcare provider in BC to attend.  
  • Follow Up: Develop a model of care and conduct a feasibility study for a structured follow-up strategy for the pediatric patients post intensive care admission in British Columbia

The Team 
Over 40 team members from different provincial health services agencies have been working on this project. They brought their unique skills, ideas, commitment, and spirit of cooperation guided by the six Coast Salish teachings gifted by the Knowledge Keeper, Sulksun, Shane Pointe, and the seven Sacred teachings gifted to BC Women’s and Children’s. These sacred teachings are represented by the eagle (LOVE), the buffalo (RESPECT), the bear (COURAGE), the sasquatch (HONESTY), the turtle (TRUTH), the wolf (HUMILITY), and the beaver (WISDOM). 
As a team, we recognize the Eagle (LOVE) and the Buffalo (RESPECT) as foundational pillars for our work in this project.
 

The eagle (LOVE) connects us to soul and purpose. We aspire to show up and create an environment for optimal services through wellness and safe care.  In loving ourselves, we love our communities, families and the people we serve. The eagle reminds us to invest in women and children by providing world class holistic services and resources grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
The buffalo (RESPECT) reminds us to listen and be open to different ways of knowing. Coming together as a team we use 2 eyed seeing where all voices are heard and honoured. Together we journey along-side one other appreciating each person’s purpose and contributions with trust, care, love and support- asking for help when needed and respecting each other’s boundaries.

We are committed to eradicating Indigenous specific racism and advancing Indigenous cultural safety and humility. We acknowledge the harms resulting from ongoing colonization, systemic discrimination, and Indigenous-specific racism that continues to impact Indigenous health and wellness inequities.
We have a responsibility to identify, interrupt, and redress the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples health and wellness and we are committed to adopting and supporting culturally safe, humble, and trauma-informed practice and care that honour the inherent strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples and address Indigenous health and wellness inequities; embedding intentional and explicit consideration of Indigenous health and wellness. 
This work is necessary to create an environment free of violence where First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples are able to access and receive culturally safe, quality care.
Thanks to Provincial Virtual Health (PVH), Emergency Services BC (BCEHS), Victoria General Hospital PICU, C&W Indigenous Health teams, and Regional Health Authorities. Together, with love and respect for each other and the community we serve, we are dedicated to transforming the critical care of children in BC.

About the artist: The art featured in the Seven Sacred Teachings  was created by the artist Ovila Mailhot, to be used in work from Children’s and Women’s Hospital to guide our work and learnings. Ovila Mailhot is originally from Seabird Island, B.C., being a self-taught artist with roots in the Nlaka'pamux and Sto:lo Nation, Ovi built a burgeoning design career, creating logos and other artwork inspired by the traditions of his people for Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses. He always wanted to represent where he is from in his culture and community. Learning more about the ancestral elements of Coast Salish art history helps Ovi find ways to show who he is and where he is from. Art feels vital to Ovi; being able to share that passion he has is essential for him. He believes that the tradition of work and this beauty are necessary for culture and healing.