We know how important it is for patients and families to be able to see visitors. Please help us keep our patients and staff as safe as possible by checking the guidance below before you visiting.
Read more on visiting times...
We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication. Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Voluntary Services team can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.
After suspending visiting earlier in the year, we are now able to offer limited visiting to some wards at the discretion of the nurse in-charge.”
Read more on visiting times...
We recognise the impact that a long stay in hospital can have on families and the importance of maintaining strong communication. Our ward staff are keeping in touch with patients’ next of kin directly and our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help pass on personal messages from family and friends.
The Queen Alexandra Hospital is located just on the hill slopes of Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth. It is conveniently situated for both the M27 and A3M.
Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health. We are committed to the active involvement of family members, friends and carers during a hospital stay. Family members and carers play an important role in supporting patients during an episode of ill health.
More information on visiting hospital for an appointment.
If you've had experience of using our services and would like to make a comment then please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Your views are very important to us and we would like to hear where you think improvements are needed or where things have gone so well that you would like to share your thanks or gratitude with the staff involved. When things have not gone so well then you can be sure that we want to hear from you, so please get in touch with PALS.
During your stay in hospital you will meet a number of different members of staff. All members of staff wear name badges, but if you are not sure who someone is or what they do, please feel free to ask them to introduce themselves and explain what they do.
If you have any questions about your treatment, please ask a doctor or a nurse.
There are lots of opportunities for you to get involved with the Trust, from volunteering to attending our public meetings, our Annual General Meeting or our hospital open day which is held every year.
We welcome and value your feedback and use the views you share with us in a number of ways to learn and make improvements as well as sharing best practice. Feedback can be provided in a number of ways.
Last updated: 06 April 2021
The Paediatric Department is based on Level A at Queen Alexandra Hospital by the main entrance. We recognise that having a child in hospital can be a stressful time for both the child and their family and the following information will hopefully provide you with an introduction to the unit and answer any questions you may have.
We care for more than 7,000 emergency medical admissions each year as well as planned and emergency surgical conditions. The acute service has a Children's Assessment Unit, two inpatient wards, an area dedicated for Day Surgery and a large Outpatient facility.
We provide specialised paediatric services and currently have four chronic disease groups with Clinical Nurse Specialist staff managing those services. We are also privileged to have a dedicated Paediatric x-ray department within our footprint.
The Paediatric Unit has various wards where your child may be treated:
All the 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 and treatment.
Please feel free to discuss any problems with the nursing staff or request to speak to the Ward Sister, nurse in charge or the Matron. The Matron is responsible for the smooth running of the Paediatric 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 receives lots of kind donations and visits from local businesses, charities and the public which the children thoroughly enjoy, however, due to the nature of some of the children's illnesses these have to be co-ordinated by the nurse in charge.
Gifts and visits will take place mainly in the play room of the children’s wards. Visitors may be escorted to some of the children who are not be able to attend the playroom but due to security and the risk of infection these will be kept to a minimum. This will always be arranged with the permission of the family.
If you would like to arrange a visit please contact the communications department by emailing communications@porthosp.nhs.uk.
Changes to children's blood taking service
The children's blood taking service has moved to appointment only.
To book an appointment, you must have your child's blood forms, provided by your GP. These must be brought with you when attending an appointment. The team will need the forms when performing the test.
Appointments must be made over the telephone by calling 07707296876. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm.
Please arrive at least ten minutes before your appointment time or you may be asked to rebook.
This service is for children aged 0 to 13. Any children aged 14 and over are encouraged to access the adult's blood taking service. Details on our adult blood taking service can be found here: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/departments-and-services/blood-tests/98047
Visiting hours for Starfish and Shipwreck ward are 8am to 8pm. Due to coronavirus restrictions, one parent is currently allowed to visit.
We are located on Level A at Queen Alexandra Hospital next to lift area 2.
To contact the Paediatric Department please call the hospital switchboard on 02392 286000 and ask for the following extensions:
