What we do
The Children’s Unit provides hospital care for all babies, children and young people from a few days old up to the age of 16 (or older for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability). We have children cared for by our own paediatricians (children's doctors) plus a variety of medical and surgical specialities including general surgery, urology, ENT, orthopaedics, maxillofacial, children and young people with mental health issues (ELCAS).
The Childen's Unit is split into two areas:
- A side / HDU is a 13-bed ward plus four HDU beds.
- B / C side comprising of two 17/20 bed wards.
There is a dedicated play team for the children consisting of hospital play specialists and nursery nurses, and for older children we have an education service where children can attend school on the ward and our school teacher will liaise with their schools to ensure their education is continued.
Breakfast is served between 8am and 9am on an individual basis and for any early birds or late risers we can cater for them too.
Lunch of soup and sandwiches is served around 12 noon.
Dinner is a hot meal, with a wide range of options available, served around 5pm.Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day, please ask a member of staff.
How to access the service
Children are admitted to the Unit via the specialist departments if they are to undergo scheduled procedures or via the Children's Observation and Assessment Unit or Childrens Minor Illness or Urgent Care departments.
Where to find us
We are located on Level 2, Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital
Key Staff
Katie Ceraldi (A side / HDU)
Tina Ainsworth (B / C side)
General Enquiries
A-side 01254 732839
B-side 01254 732765
C-side 01254 735900
Visiting times
We have a policy of open visiting for parents and carers and from 10am to 8 pm for all other visitors (two visitors at a time, including the parent or carer, as per hospital policy). Siblings are also welcome to visit. Should you have any exceptional circumstances please contact the ward manager or senior nurse on shift. Please be aware that there are only facilities for one parent to stay overnight.
Security Policy
The Unit is accessed via the intercom system at the main doors. There are two separate entrances to the ward, one for A-side and one for B / C side. Please take note of which side you are visiting as staff may not know the names of parents on the other side.
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.
Photography
Please note that no photography is permitted on the Children's Unit at any time other than when coordinated and regulated by Trust staff.
