Children's Outpatients
Children's Outpatients Department is situated at the Minerva Road entrance of the hospital grounds. There are limited parking facilities, including disabled spaces, directly outside the building with a larger visitors' car park to the right hand side.
When you arrive
When you arrive for your child's appointment you will book in at the reception desk and your details will be checked. You will be asked to take a seat in the waiting/play area where there is a selection of toys, games and activities for all children to use while waiting for their appointment. There are several large pieces of play equipment including a kitchen and utensils, dolls and prams, push along toys and a Lego table. Other play and craft activities such as colouring, gluing and jigsaws are set out on a daily basis. There is also a book corner and a games console. We have a separate waiting area with games consoles and activities which are provided for our adolescent children.
Our staff
Our Staff consists of staff nurses, health care assistants and play workers who are here to help and support patients throughout their visit to the department. Some of our nurses also run clinics such as for asthma, immunisations and food challenges.
We will measure your child's height and weight before seeing the doctor. Once you have seen the doctor you may need another appointment, tests or investigations which will be discussed with you.
Blood test
If your child is visiting the department for a blood test this will usually be done by the nurses, health care assistants or visiting pathology staff. Your child will be offered "magic cream" called Ametop which takes 30 minutes to work and helps to numb the area on the arm or hand which will be used for the test.
We have an experienced play worker who is here to help and support your child through the test. Before the test she will talk to you and your child about the procedure and try to answer any of your questions or worries. When it is time for the test you will be able to go to the treatment room with your child. The play worker will use a variety of games, toys and books to distract them whilst the test is done. When the test is finished they will be given a bravery certificate and sticker.
Health promotion
The department has a number of display boards and leaflets on health promotion topics such as immunisation, healthy eating and safety which are changed regularly. This hopefully helps to make the department bright, colourful and welcoming. We try to make every visit a pleasant one and look forward to seeing you in children's outpatients.