New children’s assessment unit opens at the William Harvey Hospital

A new children’s assessment unit has opened at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, treating young patients who need urgent care, but who are unlikely to be admitted as inpatients.

The colourful and spacious new unit has seven beds, two consultant rooms, a waiting room and a reception. It’s furnished with new state-of-the-art equipment, which enables the unit to treat a wider range of patients.

The children’s assessment unit forms part of the new paediatric emergency department that opened earlier this year, and marks the final phase of the new William Harvey hospital emergency department.

Jane Dickson, interim chief operating officer said: “It’s fantastic to see the emergency department completed at the William Harvey Hospital. Thank you to Bauvill and everyone who worked hard to make the plans a reality.

“We’re expecting the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate to conclude building works to the emergency department early next year, which will also include a new children’s assessment unit.”

Katherine Forwood, acute child health matron said: “I’m really pleased that our new children’s assessment unit is open to patients.

“Previously the children’s assessment unit was in the Padua ward, which is a busy paediatric ward on a different floor to the emergency department. Now we have a dedicated unit, located close to the children’s emergency department.

“This will improve the experience for patients and families who need urgent and emergency care as our staff will be able to work more collaboratively to get patients treated and home quicker.”