Revamped children’s department for hospital

EMMA CURRY

THE new children’s outpatient department at Burnley General Teaching Hospital has opened, following a move to improved facilities.

The centre is now located on Level 1 in Area 6 (Wilson Hey) and offers nine consultation rooms, two treatment rooms, two weighing rooms and two waiting areas.

The move was part of an ongoing £18 million redevelopment of the hospital and means work can now start on new chemotherapy and breast cancer care units.

Kevin McGee, chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “It is our absolute priority to provide excellent facilities and outstanding patient care, and the new children’s outpatient department will have a huge impact on our patients’ experience.

“The new department is fantastic for patients and ●● Children’s outpatients staff (from left) staff nurse Jessica Newton, sister Angela Reynolds, play leader Angela Holden, sister Deborah Higgins, healthcare assistant Trish Brindle and consultant paediatrician Dr Dennis Corbett staff, and once again demonstrates the trust’s longterm commitment to Burnley General Teaching Hospital and the young people of east Lancashire.”

The new, brightly decorated children’s outpa- tient department has been built next to the children’s day case surgery (Ward 27) and has a main 40-seat waiting area with boldly coloured furniture, a large screen television and toys to keep young patients entertained, as well as an extra waiting area to cater for parents and children on busier days.

Artwork will soon feature in the department, and staff plan to involve children in deciding which theme the new facilities will adopt.