Trust’s Short Stay Paediatric Unit Praised as a ‘Home From Home’ for Children

18th June 2024
Staff Nurse Niamh Elliott, Georgia’s mum Elizabeth, Georgia and Ward Manager Hannah Espiner

“Whenever Georgia has had really dark days, the staff here are the ones to lift her spirits.” These are the heartfelt thoughts of a Newtownards family whose 12-year-old daughter has benefitted greatly from the excellent care and compassion at the Ulster Hospital’s Short Stay Paediatric Assessment Unit (SSPAU).

Georgia Clements has been accessing the Short Stay service since she was 10 years old. Georgia’s mum Elizabeth explained how thankful the family have been for the care Georgia has received. “Georgia has been coming to the Short Stay since was 10. She was admitted with severe headaches and loss of sight for so many seconds. Georgia comes to have her bloods taken and is on regular medication,” said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth described the Paediatric staff as simply, “absolutely amazing.” “Whenever Georgia has had really dark days, they have been the ones to lift her spirts. I honestly can’t thank them enough for everything that they have done. They have always reassured me and I can ring the Ward at anytime when Georgia is admitted.”

Elizabeth continued: “Georgia is a big fan of Art and the Ward has the Play Specialists here to help her with arts and crafts and she really enjoyed a visit from the Clown Doctors, yet again it lifts her spirits.”

Paediatric Ward Manager Hannah Espiner added how the Unit supports acutely unwell children taking referrals from GPs, the ED department, health visitors and Midwives. “We offer a full Paediatric service to ensure those children are getting the best quality care and to make the parents and children who are coming to stay feel more comfortable up with us. We are Paediatric based in that we have toys, our Play Specialists, compassionate care is very much our ethos and we have an amazing team with their medical specialities that works so well together.”

Hannah added that the Paediatric staff, “Really get to know the families.”

“Our families know where they are coming to here on the Ward and they know what to expect, we work to give them that comfort and it just helps those relationships and for the children to feel more comfortable.”