Children's emergency department

On arrival in the department, you or your parents or carers should give your details to one of our receptionists and you will then see the assessment nurse. The assessment nurse will chat with you to see how you are feeling, and can give you some medicine if any part of you hurts or you are feeling very unwell. You will then be asked to wait in our children's waiting room until a either a nurse or a doctor is ready to see you. The waiting room has books and toys to play with and there is a separate room for the teenagers, which has arcade games and information leaflets for older children.

When you are ready to be seen, a nurse will show you into the children's treatment area, which is pen 24 hours a day. The children's area is bright and colourful, with all sorts of toys, books, games and DVD's to keep you occupied. Sometimes we even have art and craft sessions for you to join in with! All the doctors and nurses are very friendly and want to help you get better as quickly as possible.

Whilst you are here, you may need to have an x-ray. This is a special photograph of your bones and will not hurt. There is no need to worry, your mum, dad or carer can stay with you whilst you are having your x-ray.

Back in the children's area, the doctor can show you the picture of your bones on the computer. If you have a broken bone, we will treat you by applying a plaster cast or a bandage. Sometimes we will ask the bone doctors (orthopaedic) to come and see you.

At the end of your visit you will either go home or may need to stay on one of the children's wards in the hospital to have more treatment to help you get better. If this does happen, don't worry, one of your parents can stay on the ward with you.