Our project is to create a Paediatric Consultation Area (Dedicated Children’s Area) within the Urgent Treatment Centre which was opened in Solihull Hospital in 2023. The Area would be used by some twenty children each day, around 5,000 each year, each visit usually taking only a short time.

Visiting hospital can be an anxious time for anyone, but for a very sick child who needs urgent care, facing the unknown can be incredibly scary and parents are also very stressed.

The new Area would be bright and welcoming to put young patients at ease. The staff start conversations with the children, using what are called Distraction Resources - toys, colouring, mind games and comforters to relax them and in conversation find out about the child’s own health concerns, examples being where there is any pain or other discomfort. Such important information assists diagnosis, resulting in quicker and more accurate treatment.