Child development centre - Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Our child development centre is where children and young people are seen in outpatient appointments. The unit accommodates wheelchair users and other young people with special needs.

What to expect when you arrive

When you arrive at the child development centre (CDC), you will be greeted by a receptionist and a nurse. They will tell you where to go, and help you with any special requirements your child may have.

Any observations – such as height, weight and blood pressure – will be taken before you go to see the doctor.

Once you leave the doctor’s consulting room, if your doctor has requested further tests – such as blood tests – you will be taken to the children’s outpatient department which is next to the CDC.

After your consultation, your doctor may ask for a follow-up appointment to be made – this will be done as you leave the department and a letter will be sent by post.

Things you need to know

The CDC is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
When you arrive for your appointment, you should report to reception
If you have any questions about the CDC, please contact us before your appointment, or speak to the nurse or receptionist when you arrive.

Facilities in the centre

Facilities available in the CDC include:

purpose-built rooms adapted for wheelchairs including:
larger physiotherapy rooms
larger clinical rooms
specially-adapted weighing area
fixed ceiling hoists to help wheelchair-dependent patients
disabled toilets
breastfeeding room.

Play facilities

The child development centre offers a calm and quiet play room away from the main clinic areas, with toys, craft activities, colouring in and a games console. There is also access to an outdoor play area with play equipment for children and their siblings. For those children with a learning disability or who may struggle waiting in a busy environment we can also provide a buzzer so that you can leave the department and come back when it is time to be seen, waiting outside or going for a walk.

If your child requires a blood test this will be carried out in the children’s outpatient department with the nursing staff and usually with a member of the play team present who can help distract your child during the procedure. The treatment room comes fully equipped with a large Amazing Interactives 3D television, with games and short films to watch. Alongside a range of sensory toys and games to help take your child’s mind off the procedure and help calm any anxieties.