#NewProfilePic for May 2025
01 May 2025 - Every month, a different member of staff features as our #NewProfilePic on social media.
This May, we are celebrating International Nurses’ Day and introducing our New Profile Pic featuring Ben Hunt, a Charge Nurse and Clinical Practice Facilitator in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Fun fact: Ben was born at King’s College Hospital in 1985 (see his baby picture below) and celebrates his birthday in May!
Ben’s career at King’s began at the age of 16 when he completed work experience as a filing clerk, laying the foundation for his impressive healthcare career. He has held various positions, including medical secretary, student nurse, and staff nurse across multiple children’s wards. Ben is well-known for going above and beyond by supporting colleagues, picking up extra shifts, and mentoring junior staff.
What does your role consist of?
“As a Charge Nurse in PICU, I care for patients aged 0-18 who are admitted for specialist intensive care. This can be for lots of reasons, including a need for invasive breathing support, dialysis, post-neurosurgery, and post-liver transplant, among others. I’m also lucky enough to support new nurses in the department, teaching them useful skills and sharing knowledge at the bedside to help them deliver the outstanding care that King’s offers. I love providing that support and education, knowing the change that it brings.”
Tell us about your long association with King’s, and why you enjoy it so much.
“I’ve worked on and off at King’s since I first did work experience at the age of 16. After completing my studies at the University in Wales, I returned to King’s as a temp in the Virology Team during the swine flu pandemic. Then, in August 2011, I started working as a medical secretary in Paediatric Liver and Gastroenterology before being fortunate enough to be seconded to train as a nurse.
“Following my qualification in 2017, I worked in a variety of specialist wards across Child Health before moving to Paediatric Intensive Care in 2019, where I now work as a charge nurse and clinical facilitator. I believe the reason I have always found myself coming back to King’s is the feeling that you are not just part of a team but are lucky enough to work with colleagues who have become great friends and work together every day to make a difference.
“Having grown up locally, King’s has always been my local hospital, with occasional childhood visits to A&E. King’s has provided my family with medical care for over 40 years, and I am extremely grateful for the exceptional treatment they have received and for the professional care that I have received.”
What makes your role special to you and the patients?
“Caring for some of the sickest children in the hospital means that every day you have to bring a wide variety of technical skills, knowledge and empathy. It is very empowering to see the difference that our nursing care and support make in patients’ recovery. It is always a special moment when patients and their families come to say goodbye to us after what may have been a long stay. Knowing that I have played a part in their recovery is both amazing and humbling.”
Can you share a special moment that you’ve experienced at work?
“I think working at Christmas is very special. The team in PICU is amazing at transforming the unit into a magical winter wonderland to make Christmas feel special for the families that we care for.”
How do you support families through challenging moments?
“For a variety of reasons – equipment, strange noises and the level of activity – PICU can be a really scary environment for patients and their families. An important part of my role is to explain things reassuringly, so they don’t feel overwhelmed. I feel it’s crucial to listen and provide support – a simple gesture like offering toast, a cup of tea or a hug can make an enormous difference.”
Your birthday is on 29 May. How are you going to celebrate?
“I will celebrate my birthday with my family, before celebrating with friends at the weekend.”