Children's Ward

Children are admitted to the Unit via the specialist departments if they are to undergo scheduled procedures.

For unplanned admissions, these will be via the Children's Observation and Assessment Unit or Children's Minor Illness or Urgent Care departments. 

Parents and carers: Visiting for parents and carers is open 24/7 although there is only provision for one person to stay overnight with their child.

All other visitors are welcome from 10am to 8pm for but we do ask that there are only three visitors per bed space at any one time. This is to prevent overcrowding and to respect other patients' privacy and dignity. Siblings are also welcome to visit.

Should you have any exceptional circumstances, please discuss with the ward manager or senior nurse.

We encourage parents/carers to be resident - however, overnight, we usually only facilitate one parent to stay.

Please bring your child’s own formula milk and toiletries, including nappies/wipes and any regular medicines they may be taking.

Meal times are:-

Breakfast - 8am                                       

Lunch - 11.15am to midday          

Evening meal - 4.30pm

If you have been resident with your child overnight, you will be offered breakfast. 

Ward areas:

There is a drinks station on each ward area. Please help yourself to juice or water.

Each bed space has a locker, please use this for your belongings to maintain a clean and tidy environment. One drawer has a keypad lock and if you wish to lock anything away please ask a member of the ward team. You will be asked to sign a disclaimer for your belongings on admission.

There is a television above each bed and this is free to use from 7am – 9pm.

A Moses basket, cot or bed will be provided for the patient as appropriate and a fold-down bed at the side for the resident parent or carer. The bed should be folded away in the morning before the ward round.  

We encourage safer sleeping - for further information, please visit lullabytrust.org.uk. 

The parents' room:

The parents' room offers: 

• free tea and coffee
• fridge
• microwave 
• facilities for preparing bottle feeds

(Please label all food and drink. Labels are available in the parents’ room.)

Please note that hot drinks are not allowed on the ward unless they are in a cup with a lid. These are not available on the ward so you may wish to bring your own. 

The Grane Restaurant:

The restaurant is open from 8am to 10pm and is located on Level 2. Serving times are as follows:

Breakfast - 8am to 10.30am

Lunch - 11.45am onwards

Evening meal - 4.15pm to 10pm (this is a smaller menu)

Snacks and drinks:

There is also a WHSMITH, M&S Food and COSTA Coffee located near the main entrance. Opening times may vary.

Spiritual Care Centre:

There is a multi-faith spiritual care centre and prayer room situated on level 3.

To access hospital WIFI:-

• Select NHS WIFI in settings.
• Open web browser and any web page.
• Enter your details on to ELHT portal and follow the steps to register.

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There is a 10-minute drop-off area at the main entrance. Longer-stay parking is in 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 in hospital for three or more consecutive days, you may be entitled to a reduction in parking charges. Please obtain a receipt for each visit and ask for advice from the parking office located near the main entrance.

Please note that no photography is permitted on the Children's Unit at any time other than when coordinated and regulated by Trust employees.

Before any photography takes place, written consent will be obtained from the parent or guardian of the child by a member of the ward team, or the communications team who will be carrying Trust identification.