What we do
The Children’s Observation and Assessment Unit 2 (COAU 2) provides a 24-hour service to children from birth to 16 years old who have been referred by their GP, the Emergency Department, the Urgent Treatment Centre, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), specialist nursing teams, walk-in centres, health visitors, midwives or children's social care.
The unit has 11 cubicles and space for 11 patients in the waiting area. There are two assessment rooms and a large waiting room.
How to access the service
You can be referred to the service by any of the areas listed above.
Where to find us
COAU 2 is located on Level 2 next to the Children's Ward. COAU 2 can be accessed from the main visitor car park by following the signs for Day Surgery, or from the main entrance via the stairs/lift on the right before the shopping area. COAU 2 is signposted from the top of the stairs. On arrival, you will need to press the buzzer on the metal box to gain access.
Ward Manager
Georgina Foulds
General enquiries
01254 732624
Opening times
The service accepts referrals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We ask that only one parent or carer accompanies the child or young person unless there are exceptional circumstances. These can be discussed with the nurse in charge.
On arrival
On arrival, your child will first be assessed by a trained children’s nurse who will complete a nursing assessment, and perform a set of observations and possibly some tests. Your child will then be seen by a doctor who will make decisions about what further tests or investigations may be required. This may include x-rays and blood tests. Your child may need a period of observation and this may be for several hours to see if their condition improves; where possible we aim to get children home.
All children are seen in the order in which they arrive unless there is a sick child and these children will then take priority. The staff will keep you updated on waiting times.
Whilst on the unit your child will be given drinks and light snacks.
If your child needs to stay in hospital overnight for treatment or observation your child will be transferred to the children’s inpatient ward. One parent or carer over 18 years will be able to stay with your child.
If your child is discharged from COAU 2, staff will explain how to care for your child at home, how to give any medication they may need and what signs to look out for which mean they may need to come back to see the doctor again.
All children on discharge are given 24-hour open access to return to COAU 2 - if you are worried or concerned about your child when you return home you will be able to telephone to discuss your concerns and bring your child back to COAU if necessary. A referral may be made to the children's community nurses to see your child at home. This will be discussed with you prior to discharge.
You will need to bring
Your child’s Red Book (if applicable)
Any medication your child is taking
Nappies and wipes
Dummy and child’s bottle/feeder cup
Favourite toys or teddies
Formula milk – we have a limited selection of formula milk.
Facilities for parents
There is a cafe by the main entrance, WH Smith sells snacks and sandwiches and there is a hospital restaurant for meals and refreshments for other members of the family.
Car parking
There is a 10-minute drop off area at the main entrance and a 20-minute drop off area outside the entrance to COAU. Longer stay parking is on the main visitor car park. A ticket is issued on entry to the car park and payment is made on leaving. Pay machines are located at the main entrance. If your child is admitted for more than three days reduced car parking fees apply – you will need to keep your previous day’s car parking receipts. Please speak to a member of staff or the car parking office located near the main entrance.
If you have any concerns or issues before, during or after your child’s stay in COAU 2 please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
