Paediatrics

Who we are

We are a team of paediatric doctors, paediatric nurses, play specialists and health care assistants based within the Treetops unit at the University Hospital North Durham, and Ward 21, Darlington Memorial Hospital. We also have strong links with specialist doctors across the Trust who complement our services.


What we do

  • Provide assessment and inpatient beds for children from birth to 16 years (young people with specific long term health needs may access the service up to 18 years).
  • We treat medical, surgical and orthopaedic paediatric acute and chronic conditions working closely with our colleagues at The Great North Children's Hospital in dealing with more complex conditions.
  • We believe strongly in family involvement in the care of the child.

Ward 21, Darlington Memorial Hospital

This ward specialises in ear, nose and throat, general surgery and ophthalmology services for children. As well as inpatient services, the ward has a dedicated paediatric day assessment / day surgery unit.

Treetops, University Hospital of North Durham

This ward specialises in plastic and orthopaedic surgery. As well as inpatient services, the ward has a dedicated paediatric day surgery unit.

Who to contact

Telephone
0191 333 2974 - Treetops
01325 743 406 - Ward 21
Website
Children's Paediatricians

Other details

Referral required?
Yes
Referral and availability notes

Referral from GP

Referral from Emergency department/ Urgent Care Centre

Local Offer

What does your service do?

What does your service do?

We offer a range of in and outpatient services to care for the acute and continuing health care needs of babies and children up to age 16. (In some situations services may extend to age 18 where transition to adult services is required).

Children and young people with special educational needs may need to access healthcare for acute conditions and this can in many instances be met by the paediatric service at County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust.

If additional specialist care or intervention is required there are strong links and recognised networks within the region to offer that care.

Children with disabilities can receive health care interventions for a range of needs that may or may not be associated with their disability.

There are a range of specialist and general outpatient clinics. In patient services provide care for the acutely unwell child, injured child or those requiring a range of surgical interventions.

Children can receive care at home through the support of specialist community nursing teams.

Paediatric services are offered up to the age of 16 universally, and in the case of children with complex or ongoing health care needs up to the age of 18. Each young person is considered individually and careful and supportive transitional care arrangements made.

Ongoing support can be offered through the community children’s nursing service and the community paediatric service. 

Where is it located and what areas does it cover?

Where is it located and what areas does it cover?

In patient services are located at Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital North Durham.

Day care is delivered at the above sites as well as Bishop Auckland Hospital.

Outpatient clinics are delivered on the above three sites as well as in community locations such as Shotley Bridge, Chester le Street and Stanley. 

Who does your organisation provide a service for?

Who does your organisation provide a service for?

Acute paediatric care and management of long term health conditions up to age 16-18 years. 

How can I start using the service?

How can I start using the service?

Referral from GP, emergency department or urgent care centre.

Urgent or emergency care is delivered immediately if in patient admission required.

Outpatient waiting lists are managed through the booking system Choose and Book. The expected length of time for appointment is indicated at the time of booking.

How do I know what is going on and can I be involved in making plans for the future?

How do you communicate with service users and how are they involved in decision making / planning?

Written and verbal information is given to parents and carers.

Children with specific care needs are supported at home or school with appropriate training and education for parents and carers as required e.g. how to use inhalers, adrenaline injections etc. This is supported by a team of specialist nurses including respiratory, epilepsy and diabetes specialists.

Comment cards are distributed in all settings.

Children’s engagement groups are used to inform service delivery.

Hospital passports are utilised.

Learning disability, with consent, is flagged up on child’s notes so that if required longer appointments can be scheduled or operating lists adjusted.

More information can be found on CDDFT website.

Interpreter services are used when needed.

Is your service fully accessible?

Is your service fully accessible?

The buildings are fully wheelchair accessible, with disabled changing and toilet facilities on wards and in some cases in outpatients.

Children’s areas are designed to support children with additional needs wherever possible.

What training have your staff had regarding SEND?

What training are the staff supporting children and young people with SEND had or are having?

Areas are staffed by paediatricians and qualified children’s nurses.

Play therapists are employed in all in patient areas.

The team also works closely with community paediatric services, dietetics, speech and language, occupational and physiotherapy, psychology, social care, health visiting and school nursing.

Who can I contact for further information?

Who can I contact for further information?

If you would like to ask any questions please speak to your child's named nurse or consultant.

Disclaimer

Durham County Council's Families Information Service does not promote nor endorse the services advertised on this website. Anyone seeking to use/access such services does so at their own risk and may make all appropriate enquiries about fitness for purpose and suitability to meet their needs.
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