"children's ward available ..."

What I liked

children's ward available to keep children appeased during long periods of wait.

What could be improved

Being listened to is important and relaying this information to other professionals could limit the time spent in these busy wards. An advice phone number would have been helpful for concerns.

I took my Daughter the A&E as I suspected at sprain or fracture to her foot. she was x-rayed and we were told by a Doctor that everthing was ok, after questioning the decision, the Dr then rexamined my daughter and said there might be a possible fracture. We were given crutches and told to rest the foot for 24hrs and then to start using the foot lightly. No information leaflet was given or offered. A week later my daughter returned because the swelling had not gone down and she was still unable to use the foot. I wanted clarification that it was indeed a fracture and that the information I had been given previously was correct. I relayed this to the nurse and she had difficulty in understanding why I had come back. Several hour wait later and less than a five minute conversation with another Doctor confirmed my daughters written notes revealed a positive fracture (this would have been nice to know) and interestingly the advice now given was that my daughter should have completely stayed off her feet for at least two weeks and not the 24hrs as previously told...no further check up was offered only advice given was to return the crutches when we were finished with them??? Like I'm the Doctor and should know when that would be! Having found this information out on the internet now, I will be making an appointment with my Doctor to get another x-ray taken to make sure my daughters foot has healed.

Anything else?

The childrens waiting area on both occasions were full of toys strewn across the floor. Polite notices encouraging parent/carers to tidy play area when leaving should be displayed prominantely to ensure the safety of others when entering the area.