Children’s Observation and Assessment Area

The Children’s Observation and Assessment is open 24 hours a day providing care for children requiring emergency observation and assessment by the Paediatric Team.

You can expect a warm welcome and high quality, reliable care from appropriately trained and skilled staff in a safe, suitable, child-friendly environment.

Everything we do is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. If a child's illness requires further monitoring after a six hour period, they may be transferred to the Children's Unit or another appropriate health care setting.

If your child is fit for discharge after six hours, follow up care arrangements will be organised with either the child's GP, Children's Community Nursing Team or with the Children's Outpatient Department.

We recognise that children are unique developing individuals whose best interest is our main concern. All children and their families will be greeted in a calm, friendly and professional manner, receiving equal care regardless of their cultural or social background and religious, cultural and traditional beliefs are always respected. We endeavour to understand individual perspectives, opinions and feelings and acknowledge rights to privacy of children, adolescents and families.

The nurse will act as an advocate for the child and family and will encourage family centred care. We aim to give children and families the information, support and reassurance they need. We value the use of recreation and distraction play.

Procedures are only performed when necessary following discussion and informed consent is obtained. Our aim is to provide the highest standard of care through evidence based practice, we liaise with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure continuity of care and the department provides an environment conducive to learning and teaching.