A major UK clinical research initiative is bringing together 24 hospitals to investigate new ways to improve treatment and recovery for children who need intensive care.

The PIVOTAL trial, announced by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) on 12 October 2026, is designed to recruit thousands of children across the UK. It will begin by testing three drugs and treatment interventions, with the aim of generating evidence that can help clinicians make better-informed decisions for critically ill young patients.

Multiple Treatments to Be Tested

Unlike a conventional trial that focuses on a single treatment, the project uses a platform trial approach, allowing several interventions to be assessed within one coordinated research programme.

The study is being led by intensive care teams at GOSH, University College London (UCL) and the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC). It is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Potential Impact on Children's Intensive Care

Paediatric intensive care teams treat children with severe and life-threatening illnesses. Research into effective treatments and recovery can help improve clinical practice, but the benefits of the interventions being tested will need to be established through the trial.

The UK-wide study represents a significant collaborative effort in paediatric critical care research, bringing hospitals and research organisations together to investigate treatments for some of the sickest children.

The trial's findings could help build the evidence needed to guide future care, although outcomes will depend on the results of the research.