Chapter IV: Technical operating conditions

Paediatric neurosurgery is carried out in a unit dedicated to this activity, in a paediatric environment or close to an adult neurosurgery unit.

The full-time paediatric neurosurgery inpatient unit has a sufficient number of dedicated beds and the necessary staff to be able to provide pre- and post-operative care for newborns and children at all times. These beds may be located in a paediatric unit. The unit has the means to ensure that parents are always present with hospitalised children.

The medical staff provided for in article D. 6124-137 is completed by at least one qualified doctor specialising in paediatrics. The medical staff must have proven training and experience in the field of paediatric neurosurgery in accordance with the procedures specified by order of the Minister for Health. The paramedical staff have the necessary qualifications for paediatric care and include at least one paediatric nurse.

Paediatric neurosurgical intensive care is provided in a separate sector within a paediatric intensive care unit mentioned in II of article R. 6123-34-3.

The protected interventional unit and the post-interventional monitoring room referred to in article D. 6124-99 include medical devices and an environment adapted to newborns and children. Anaesthesia is performed by medical staff assisted by paramedical staff experienced in paediatrics.

In an emergency situation, paediatric neurosurgery may be carried out in an adult neurosurgery unit. In this case, the conditions mentioned in articles D. 6124-141 to D. 6124-145 are not required. A space is then reserved for children hospitalised in the adult neurosurgery unit.