Our paediatric ward, also known as a children’s ward, is a dedicated space for our babies, young children and teenagers to recover after surgery, a procedure or medical care.
Here are some things to expect when you are staying in our paediatric ward.
Entrance
Our paediatric ward has a bit more security than the rest of the wards in hospital.
To come into the ward, you can press a big green button located next to our ward doors to speak to a nurse who will open the doors for you.
Our nurses may also ask who you are to make sure you are in the right spot.
The ward
Our paediatric ward is designed as a welcoming space for your child and family to spend time together.
In our communal spaces there are plenty of toys and games for children to play with and more entertainment in their rooms.
Friendly staff
Our ward is filled with kind people who look after your child and your family during your visit. You can ask them anything because they are here to help you.
Some of the people who might be involved in caring for your family are doctors, nurses, patient care assistants and our friendly volunteers.
Your child’s room
You child’s room has a TV with access to the children channels and the remote control is attached closed to the bed so you can change the channel and make yourself comfortable.
When your child needs to go to theatre, our caregivers explain what is going to happen and place your child on one of our hospital beds to take them to theatre. Mums and dads, you can stay with your child right up until they go into theatre.
We also have bedding available for one parent to stay overnight so your child feels more comfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Name band
We will also give your child an arm and leg band. Their name and important patient details are on this band.
We ask that you keep it on for the entirety of their stay so we can make sure we are giving the right care to the right child.
Observations
When your child is in hospital, we need to take what we call “observations” from them regularly to make sure they are recovering well.
Some of the checks we do include:
- weight
- heart rate
- blood pressure.
We will also do ongoing checks that relate to their specific needs. We will always explain what we are doing and are happy to answer any questions you have.
Medication
Sometimes children need a cannula, which is a thin tube used to give medication or drain fluid.
If you child needs this, we talk them through this procedure and use numbing cream to reduce any pain felt.
The cannula is then bandaged up so it keeps out of your way.
Pyjamas
When your child comes to hospital, we ask that they wear pyjamas with a button up top.
We do have pyjamas available but these are quite plain so feel free to bring some specifically for your child – just keep them simple.
Going home
When you go home we will make sure you have everything you need to help your child rest and recover in the comfort of their familiar surroundings.
You may be given medications or specific instructions on how to care for wounds after surgery. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
