County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust places cookies on your computer to improve our website. These cookies don't collect information that identifies a visitor and are all anonymous.� They are used to measure its performance and to provide enhancements to you while using the site. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our privacy policy. Close
High Contrast Sitemap

Enhanced paediatric emergency unit opens at Darlington Memorial Hospital

New Paeds ED

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: "We are delighted that the enhanced paediatric emergency unit is now open. It will be staffed by paediatric trained nurses 24 hours a day. And 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.

Jane Carr matron for the paediatric emergency unit said: "Having a dedicated paediatric emergency unit allows for a much better environment for infants, children and young people that we care for. 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 lots of seating, a television, toys and books. This is also a key area for us, 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 paediatric emergency 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."

 

Published: September 2021

'The treatment I have received from all the staff has been excellent and could you extend my thanks to them all. A very thankful and relieved patient'.

Patient, Dermatology Outpatients Department, University Hospital of North Durham