Ask the expert- Dr. Pompa Kukreja, Consultant Clinical Lead for the CPICU.

• Tell us a bit about you.
  I’ve been a Paediatric Intensive Care Consultant at Leicester’s Hospitals for seven years. My role is fast-paced and challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding to make a real difference for children and their families during some of their most difficult times.
• What can the new ultrasound scanner be used for?
  This top-of-the-range model will give us clear, real-time images that make complex procedures safer and more accurate—especially for very young children and babies, whose anatomy is incredibly small and delicate. The scanner is even capable of imaging heart function, helping the team to provide critical care for those with serious heart conditions. It also helps us monitor changes in a child’s condition quickly and without needing invasive techniques. With our own scanner on hand, we can make faster decisions and provide more tailored care, which is very important in an intensive care setting.
• Why is it needed?
  Currently, the unit must share a similar ultrasound scanner with other departments. As you can imagine, this isn’t ideal and can sometimes cause unhelpful delays. Having our own dedicated top-of-the-range scanner on the unit will make a huge difference.
• Are there any other uses for the new ultrasound scanner? 
  The scanner allows us to provide bedside care, meaning we don’t have to move critically ill children to other departments for scans. This reduces the risk of complications and ensures quicker access to vital information. With this equipment, we can act faster, avoid unnecessary risks, and focus on what matters most—helping children get better.
• What do you enjoy most about your work?
  I love being able to make a big impact on a child’s life when they need it most. Every day is different, and the complexity of my job keeps me on my toes. I also work with an amazing team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists, all coming together to give children the best possible care.
• How will a gift make a difference?
  Your gift will have a direct and lasting impact on the children we care for. By helping to fund our own top-of-the-range ultrasound scanner, you’ll be giving our team the tools they need to diagnose and treat critically ill children with greater speed and precision. Your support means fewer delays, accurate procedures, and ultimately, better outcomes for the most vulnerable patients. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to providing the very best care for children and their families when they need it most.

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