Dahlia ward at King George Hospital has been opened in time to help care for poorly children this winter – after the former children’s ward at the hospital was temporarily closed at the start of the pandemic and converted into a critical care unit.

As most of last winter was spent in lockdown, it is expected that the pressure on the entire NHS will be higher than ever this year – and there are likely to be more children coming to hospital, particularly with respiratory illnesses.

The eight-bed ward, which opened earlier this month, will help to reduce pressure on Queen’s Hospital by being able to care for children who only need a short-stay in hospital, allowing our team at Queen’s to focus on more seriously ill children.

Catherine Le-Mar, Clinical Ward Manager, said: “Having this additional capacity will be really important this winter, and will allow us more flexibility when caring for sick children. It will also reduce pressure on our Emergency Department.

“It will be much better for families who, in many cases, will be able to take their child home quicker, with the necessary advice and reassurance.”

Later this year the ward will also be co-located with an additional six beds for caring with children with mental health needs; these specialist beds will be managed by our partner, the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT).

Useful information for caring for your child this winter can be found in our child health section.

Pictured above are healthcare assistant Diana Colun, Emi Hawthorne, sister for Child Health, and Catherine.