New ultrasound equipment to help improve care for children with sepsis in Aberdeen
Published: 06/10/2026 14:56Children being treated at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital are set to benefit from new specialist ultrasound equipment designed to support faster, less invasive care for critically ill patients, thanks to a partnership between Sepsis Research, SPIFOX and NHS Grampian.
The equipment handover marks a practical example of how charitable fundraising, clinical expertise and sepsis research can come together to improve care for children in Scotland. Thanks to a generous donation from SPIFOX, who donated £37,620, plus additional fundraising from Sepsis Research from events like the Aberdeen Kiltwalk, which Sepsis Research Chief Executive Stephen Moore and Trustee Dr Catharina Hartmann walked, this much needed service can now be provided.
The new equipment will support clinicians caring for children with suspected sepsis and other serious conditions by helping them obtain intravenous access more quickly and with less discomfort, reducing the need for more painful alternative procedures.
Sepsis can affect anyone, including babies, children and new mothers, and it can become life-threatening very quickly if it is not recognised and treated in time. Sepsis Research says the Aberdeen handover reflects its wider mission to fund world-leading research, raise awareness and help translate evidence into better patient care. The charity is also using the event to underline that sepsis research needs better funding, and that continuous fundraising is essential if more research projects, more equipment and more science in action are to reach patients and families.
Stephen Moore, Chief Executive of Sepsis Research, said: “Too many families know how quickly sepsis can turn lives upside down. This equipment will help frontline teams care for critically ill children more quickly and more comfortably, and it shows what is possible when research, awareness, fundraising and the NHS work together. At Sepsis Research, the goal is not only to raise awareness of sepsis, but to support the research and practical improvements that lead to better outcomes. Sepsis research still needs far better funding, which is why we are continuously fundraising to back more research, more equipment and more science in action.”
Dr Catharina Hartman, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Sepsis Research Trustee said: “We are pleased to be working alongside Sepsis Research and SPIFOX to bring this fantastic new equipment to NHS Grampian. This will significantly benefit children and families in our care. In suspected sepsis, timely assessment and treatment are crucial, and better ultrasound-guided access can improve both the speed of care and the experience for young patients and their families.”
Frances Sim, Chair of SPIFOX Trustees, said: “SPIFOX exists to support children and young people in Scotland through tangible projects that make a real difference. This donation is exactly the kind of practical, high-impact initiative our supporters value, and we are proud to help bring this equipment to Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.”
The equipment donation brings together charity leaders, clinicians, corporate supporters, and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of science-led partnership working to improve outcomes for children.
With thanks to Summer Cowan (pictured) and her mum, who got to learn a little bit more about the new equipment during a recent visit to Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.