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

A side / HDU is a 12 bed ward (with four HDU beds). 

B / C side

B and C side comprises of 24 beds.

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. For any early birds or late risers we can cater for them too
  • Lunch of soup and sandwiches is served around 12noon
  • 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)

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. 

We are located on Level 2 at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

We have a policy of open visiting for parents and carers and from 10am to 8pm for all other visitors. We do ask that there are only three visitors per bed space at any one time, this is to prevent over crowding and to respect other patients' privacy and dignity. Siblings are also welcome to visit.

Should you have any exceptional circumstances please contact the ward manager or senior nurse to discuss.

There is only one parent/carer bed for one person to stay overnight, however, should you need support overnight, please discuss with the ward manager or senior nurse.

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.

There is a parents room on the ward where there is hot water, a microwave and a fridge which parents are welcome to use to store their own food and drink. 

There is also a Costa coffee shop by the main entrance of the hospital, WH Smith sells snacks and sandwiches and there is a hospital restaurant for meals and refreshments for other members of the family.

There is a 10-minute drop off area at the main entrance. 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.

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

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