ED improvements for RUH's younger patients

A number of exciting improvements have been made to the Emergency Department at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust to enhance the facilities for children and young people requiring urgent and emergency care.

A new Children's Emergency Department (CED) opened just before Christmas, creating a dedicated and separate area for children and young people to be seen and assessed in the department.

The new-look department includes an improved treatment area as well as individual rooms for those youngsters who need urgent care. It is a bright and airy space with colourful activity walls to keep young patients occupied during their time in the Emergency Department.

There is also a new Teenage Room to provide a separate quieter space for young people to wait for their care. The area is staffed by dedicated children's nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week, creating a welcoming environment for children and their parent/guardian.

ED Clinical Lead for Children, Dr Liz Gilby, said: "Visiting ED is a worrying time for anyone, but particularly if you are a child.

"The new additions to the children's area will help to keep young ones occupied at what can be a very scary and overwhelming time for them.

"We have also made substantial enhancements to the treatment areas for our young patients which will further improve their experience when they arrive at the hospital and help our staff ensure they get the right care in the right place as quickly as possible, in a really welcoming environment."

Neil Macaulay-Brook, Children's ED Lead Nurse, said: "We are so excited about our new children's area and are very proud of our team who made it happen. Our aim is to become a centre of excellence in children's emergency care. This new environment is just the start."

These are the latest in a series of improvements that have been made to the RUH's emergency care facilities.

Other recent developments have included:

• A new four-bed resuscitation area, including a dedicated children's resuscitation room, has been created to care for patients arriving by ambulance and needing resuscitation or major care. This has also improved access to ED for ambulance crews
• Providing same day care for patients who would otherwise be admitted to hospital. Under this care model, patients can be rapidly assessed, diagnosed and treated without being admitted to a ward and, if clinically safe to do so, will go home the same day their care is provided
• A new Covid-safe waiting area for adult patients

The RUH's Emergency Department remains extremely busy. Please only visit the ED department or call 999 in the case of a life-threatening emergency.

For medical advice, please contact NHS 111 online where a trained advisor will be able to help you.

Pharmacists can help with minor complaints including coughs, colds, ear ache and rashes.

ENDS

Download printable version