COVID-19 and our children’s services

We understand that you might be worried about coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – particularly if your child has a long-term health condition.

We have developed a set of frequently asked questions that sets out our advice and the action we are taking to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. You can also find this information on our HANDi paediatric app – which can be downloaded for free via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

We are a general children’s unit providing care for children and young people from 0–18 years, as well as children with complex health needs up to 19 years. We have a bright, family friendly environment with some accommodation available for parents.

We care for children and young people with a wide variety of severe and long-term physical health problems and mental health issues. Some of the conditions we treat include: breathing conditions, diabetes, epilepsy and other neurological (nervous system) conditions, cancer, child and adolescent mental health services, cystic fibrosis, sepsis and metabolic conditions.

We also care for children who are at hospital for the following surgery: orthopaedic, ophthalmology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), maxillofacial, dental, general surgical, spinal and scoliosis surgery.

Our team is made up of registered children’s nurses, consultants and trainee paediatricians (including paediatricians with specialist interests), supported by healthcare assistants, play specialists and allied health professionals.

Our play specialists are available Monday to Friday and provide a wide range of play materials, as well as distraction therapies for children of all ages. We have an on-site school teacher and teaching assistant available Monday to Friday, during school term dates.

Facilities

• Play areas and school room
• ‘Nest’ room for therapy, which can also be used as a quiet space for young people to talk
• Seminar room that is used as an education and meeting area
• Parent kitchen with free tea and coffee making facilities
• Toilet and shower (located on Acorn ward)
• Breast pump available to support mums who wish to breastfeed
• Meals for children and all resident mothers caring for an infant less than one month old
• Free wifi access
• Televisions with Playstation/DVD.

Visiting times

We have open visiting for parents, carers and close family members. We do ask that young visitors under the age of 16 years are accompanied by an adult.

Please do not visit the unit if you have had an infectious illness during the last 48 hours.

We have security access for entering and leaving the children’s unit.

Mealtimes

Lunch: 12pm to 1pm

Supper: 5pm to 5:30pm

We encourage parents and carers to visit during mealtimes.

Car parking

We have designated disabled parking at the children’s unit. For information about general parking arrangements click here for more.

Other services

Our hospital chaplain can be contacted on request.

If you require a language interpreter, please speak to a member of our nursing team.