AN ENHANCED dedicated paediatric emergency unit has opened at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
The unit provides care for infants, children and young people for Darlington and the surrounding areas.
Dr Sri Perumal, emergency department consultant, said: “It will be staffed by paediatric trained nurses 24 hours a day.
"We have a paediatric consultant lead in the department. It has been designed to be a child-friendly environment to make children feel comfortable when they come in.”
The unit includes a triage room, treatment rooms which have been decorated with colourful murals, a paediatric resuscitation room and a sensory room as well as a waiting area.
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Jane Carr, matron for the paediatric emergency unit, added: “Having a dedicated paediatric emergency unit allows for a much better environment for infants, children and young people.
"It is much more age-appropriate, relaxing and calm environment that is separate from the adult emergency department.
“The new waiting area is a large open space with seating, a television, toys and books. This is also a key area, as our colleagues can observe children playing as part of diagnosis and treatment.
“We are hugely grateful for the support from Your NHS Charity for the beautiful murals, the toys and games and being able to kit out a sensory room with a light projector and other sensory needs equipment.
"The sensory room has been designed for those infants, children or young people who are particularly anxious or sensitive to noise and lights who could benefit from a very relaxing calming space.”
The unit is located to the left of the main entrance to Darlington Memorial Hospital, with a designated secure intercom entrance to ensure the safety of children to the child-friendly environment.
Pat Chambers, Charity Development Manager added: “We are grateful for the support received via external funders, Screwfix Foundation and Darlington Building Society for helping us to transform the new paediatric emergency unit creating a welcoming, vibrant and fun space for children and families.
"The funding has helped us to provide colourful murals, new toys, games, books, storage and sensory needs equipment.”
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