Hywel Dda Children’s Services update – special COVID message

When your child is ill or injured, we understand that it can sometimes be difficult to decide if/when to call your child’s GP, 111 NHS Wales or go to the Emergency department. Due to current situation and while the government is asking everyone to stay at home, it can be confusing to know what to do.

Do not delay in seeking advice and treatment if your child is unwell or injured is the message from Hywel Dda University Health Board.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has produced a helpful guide for parents to understand when to seek advice and treatment for their child.

Janet Millward, Senior Nurse Manager Paediatrics at Hywel Dda UHB said, “We understand that families will be anxious at this time if their child becomes unwell or injured. COVID-19 is worrying but there may be other reasons why your child might be unwell and it is important not to delay in getting care and treatment. In each of our counties, we have arrangements in place to provide care for your child during the pandemic.

“To help keep you and your child safe at Glangwili Hospital, we have set up a new temporary Paediatric Assessment Area adjacent to the Emergency Department where we can assess children in a separate facility to adults. This area is for children with illnesses who attend following emergency referral from their General Practitioner (GP) , Out of Hours GP, Welsh Ambulance Service or those who are brought to the hospital by parents or family members.

If your child is injured, you will be cared for in the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) or Emergency department. For any children who have open access arrangements, you should contact the ward as you usually would.

“At Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, we will continue to see children in the emergency department or direct you to either the maternal and child health department on level 2 for assessment or to Angharad ward. Once assessed if your child requires admission the staff will direct you to the ward.

“In response to COVID-19 at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit (PACU), also known as Puffin Ward, has been converted into a Minor Injuries Unit for adults and children for the duration of the pandemic. Children with minor injuries will still be able to access care at Withybush but children with illness will be cared for at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen.”

If your child is admitted to hospital, one parent or carer can stay with them on the ward. Our hospitals have free Wi-Fi to help families keep in touch at this time.

Most children who become unwell at this time won’t need to visit hospital and if your child’s physical or mental health is worrying you, your GP practice or 111 NHS Wales are also available to help.