We care for more than 7,000 emergency medical admissions each year as well as planned and emergency surgical conditions. The acute service has a Children's Assessment Unit, two inpatient wards, an area dedicated for day surgery and a large outpatient facility.
We provide specialised paediatric services and currently have four chronic disease groups with Clinical Nurse Specialist staff managing those services. We are also privileged to have a dedicated Paediatric x-ray department within our footprint.
The Paediatric Unit has various wards where your child may be treated:
- Children's Assessment Unit (CAU)
- Starfish Ward
- Shipwreck Ward
- Paediatric Outpatients.
All the staff work as a team and whilst your child is with us, you will be encouraged to become part of that team, caring for your child and contributing to the decisions made about their care and treatment.
The Matron is responsible for the smooth running of the Paediatric Unit and to provide a visible, accessible and authoritative presence, providing someone to whom parents and their families can turn to for assistance, advice and support.
Please talk with the nursing staff or request to speak to the Ward Sister, nurse in charge or the Matron with any question you have.
Visiting hours for Starfish ward and Shipwreck ward are 8am to 8pm.
The children's blood taking service is arranged through booked appointments only.
To book an appointment, you must have your child's blood forms, provided by your GP. These must be brought with you when attending an appointment. The team will need the forms when performing the test.
Appointments must be made over the telephone by calling 07707296876. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm.
Please arrive at least ten minutes before your appointment time or you may be asked to rebook.
This service is for children aged 0 to 13. Any children aged 14 and over are encouraged to access the adult's blood taking service.
The Paediatric Department receives lots of kind donations and visits from local businesses, charities and the public which the children thoroughly enjoy, however, due to the nature of some of the children's illnesses these have to be co-ordinated by the nurse in charge.
Gifts and visits will take place mainly in the play room of the children’s wards. Visitors may be escorted to some of the children who are not be able to attend the playroom but due to security and the risk of infection these will be kept to a minimum. This will always be arranged with the permission of the family.
If you would like to arrange a visit please contact the communications department by emailing communications