Robin Ward (children's ward)

Robin ward is a 13 bedded paediatric unit with two bays and five cubicles. We care for babies, children and young people from birth to 16 years, requiring assessment and treatment of all health conditions.

Where to find us

From the ground floor follow the signs to Robin Ward. This takes you in the lift from the main foyer to the second floor. Turn left out of the lift and follow the signs through the door on the right, across the stairwell and through a further set of doors. Follow the corridor past the chapel to the end and take the lift to the fourth floor.

The main ward door is kept locked at all times. There is an intercom system to allow staff to monitor who enters the ward. Please use the buzzer outside the door and tell us who you are.

Admissions and referrals

Admissions are usually arranged by other health care professionals, for example GPs, health visitors, and surgeons. Some children are also reviewed following assessment in the Emergency Department.

Children and young people may attend pre-arranged appointments to see a nurse or doctor.

If your child is unwell, see your GP. For more serious concerns, use the Emergency Department. Don't come to Robin Ward without prior agreement.

Staying with your child

One parent / carer may stay with their child and be able to sleep close by.

Parking

Patriotic Street is the nearest car park as there is no designated parking. Plan ahead and put sufficient payment on your vehicle allowing plenty of time.

Facilities on Robin Ward

Meals

All food is provided for your child during their stay. You can also bring in food from home if they prefer, after checking with a nurse.

Breakfast is offered on waking. Lunchtime is between 12pm and 12.30pm. Dinner is a hot meal usually between 5pm and 6pm. Snacks and fruit can be provided in between these times.
Meals on the ward are provided for patients and breast feeding mothers only.

Other food and drinks

There is a sandwich bar in the Outpatient Department and the League of Friends Café at the Parade Entrance. The Thyme Out Restaurant on the ground floor of the Hospital serves hot breakfasts and lunches. All these facilities are available Monday to Friday.

Play and distraction

We are well supported by the public so can offer a wide range of toys and activities. We provide them in the playroom and bring them to your bed if needed.

Younger children prefer the playroom, which includes role play activities and library corner. There is art and craft work available and a large collection of DVDs, for those who want a quieter activity.

A play specialist is available Monday to Friday to provide:

• support for you and your child in hospital
  
• a range of toys, games and books
  
• arts and crafts
  
• distraction therapy
  
• guidance about preparing your child for tests and procedures
  

The playroom is available for younger children to enjoy. They must be accompanied by a parent in the absence of any staff member.

There is a parent’s room where children are not allowed. It gives some ‘time out’ space for parents and has facilities to make light refreshments. There is also a parent’s toilet and shower room. The cubicles have pull down beds for parents and we utilise ‘z-beds’ or empty beds for parents in the main ward areas.

Televisions

Each bed has access to a television. You can bring ear phones in from home. There's a wide range of channels available and anything viewed must be appropriate to the age of your child. The televisions on the ward are turned off at 9pm.

Phones and Wi-Fi

Mobile phones are permitted but switch them to silent mode and take calls outside the ward or parents room.

Wi-Fi is available on Robin Ward, so ask us for details.

What to bring

You need to bring the following items with you:

• toiletries
  
• nappies / creams (if appropriate)
  
• formula milk
  
• nightwear and slippers or soft shoes
  
• favourite toy
  

Contact us

You can contact us at any time from Monday to Sunday. If we’re with patients, we cannot always answer the phone straight away, so try again later.

Patient confidentiality is essential. There are occasions when we're unable to share information. Contact the ward manager if you need to discuss this.
Tel: +44 (0) 1534 442794 or +44 (0) 01534 442122

Our team

The team in Robin Ward that support your child consists of:

• children nurses
  
• nursery nurses and health care assistants
  
• play and distraction worker
  
• paediatricians
  
• ward clerk
  

We work with many other professionals who are also involved in children’s care such as:

• physiotherapists
  
• speech and language therapists
  
• CAMHS team
  
• social workers
  
• community paediatric nurses and health visitors
  
• GP’s
  

We share information with these other professionals to support you and your child.
When your child is discharged from the ward, we may contact The Community Children’s Nursing Team (CCNT) if further treatment or support is needed.