The children’s outpatient department (COPD) sees around 70,000 children and young people a year with general conditions. We also cover a huge range of specialties such as:
- allergy and immunology
- dietetic clinic
- endocrinology (including diabetes and Growth Service)
- neurology and neonatology
- orthopaedics
- plastic surgery
- respiratory, (including cystic fibrosis and asthma)
- renal (covering kidney transplants)
- rheumatology (joints, soft tissue and immune system disorders)
- surgery (including many specialist treatments).
Most of our patients are referred to us by GPs, but we also see patients from other hospitals across the region.
What to expect when you arrive
When arriving at the Children’s Outpatient Department, you should report to the reception desk.
A nurse will then take you through to weigh and measure your child if required. They will also carry out any other tests that may be needed at this stage – for example a urine sample.
The doctor will then call you into the consulting room. After the consultation, the doctor may request more tests – for example a blood test – which will be done by the nursing staff. For this type of test the nurse will offer a choice of numbing agents and a play specialist will be there to help distract your child while the test is being done.
Things you need to know
- The Children’s Outpatient Department is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm
- You should bring along a list of all the medication your child is taking
- Please note that some children may need further procedures on the day of your appointment, such as blood tests, an x-ray, or a skin testing procedure if attending the allergy clinic
- All children and families can ask any member of staff for advice
- We aim to see all patients within 30 minutes of the appointment. If there is a delay and a member of staff has not informed you, please ask.
Play facilities on the ward
Keeping your child occupied whilst waiting for and during their appointment is very important to us.
The main waiting areas have:
- A toy box
- Craft activity
- Pens and colouring paper
The sub waiting areas have:
- A games console
- TV
- Board games
- Toy box
- Colouring papers and pens
Each consulting room has:
- a fully equipped toy trolley with hand held toys
- building blocks
- books
- jigsaw puzzles
- colouring in activities.
There is a separate area for young people aged 11-19 years with:
- Xbox and age appropriate games
- magazines
- games
- displays with useful information on YP services provided in and around Newcastle upon Tyne
If your child requires a blood test this will be carried out in the COPD 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.
There is an outdoor play park with a slide, climbing frame and other equipment (parental supervision required)
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.
Location of ward
The Children’s outpatient department is on level one of the Great North Children’s Hospital in the New Victoria Wing at the RVI.
Contact
If you need further information about your appointment with the children’s outpatient department please ring 0191 282 4444.
