Paediatric Department

Children and young people can spend as little as a few hours in the Paediatric Unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital but some can spend days or many weeks in the unit, depending on their condition or needs. We recognise that having a child in hospital can be a stressful time for both the patient and their family and the following information will hopefully provide you with an introduction to the unit and answer any questions you may have.

The Paediatric Department is now based on A-Level at Queen Alexandra Hospital following the opening of the new extension in June 2009. Services include elective and emergency care for children with orthopaedic or trauma conditions, those requiring general surgery, ophthalmology, ENT and Maxillofacial.

Medical, surgical, nursing and support staff work as a team and whilst your child is with us, you will be encouraged to become part of that team, caring for your child and contributing to the decisions made about their care.

Please feel free to discuss any problems with the nurse looking after your child, or request to speak to the nurse in charge or the Matron. The Matron is responsible for the smooth running of the Children's Unit and to provide a visible, accessible and authoritative presence, providing someone to whom parents and their families can turn to for assistance, advice and support.

The Paediatric Department has various wards where your child may be treated.

• Child Assessment Unit (CAU)
• Starfish
• Seahorse
• Paediatric Outpatients

To contact the department call the hospital switchboard on 023 9228 6000 and ask for the following extension:

• Seahorse Ward - 3341/3215
• Starfish/Day Surgery Ward - 6391
• Child Assessment Unit - 4326
• Paediatric Outpatients - 4377