As we continue to focus on the recovery of our non-elective services, we are delighted that today (Monday 7 June) we have opened our new Children and Young People’s Assessment Unit (CYPAU) at Queen’s Hospital.

The CYPAU is a purpose-built space to assess children and is designed to stop them from being admitted unless absolutely necessary. Instead, young people can be assessed and treated before returning home.

Divisional Manager for Women’s and Child Health Nicki Abbott emphasised the positives of the new unit: “The CYPAU increases our capacity to further assess and treat children and young people at Queen’s.

“It works differently from a traditional inpatient ward as the intention is that children are only here for a short period of time and can be discharged earlier, at any time of the day or night. We also plan to undertake “hot” clinics and weekend reviews in the dedicated outpatient space.”

The CYPAU will also play a crucial role in improving flow through our hospital. Nicki explained: “Not only will this mean that children are in hospital for less time i.e. getting them back home to their family, but it will reduce the number of patients in the emergency department and help all children to be seen more quickly and in a safe and child-friendly environment.”

Nicki added: “Thank you to the very many staff and partners involved in the creation of this unit; from the Sodexo and Estates teams to the Finance team who supported the business case, Vikki Butler who helped find the space, and the nursing and play teams for their hand in some of the design and decoration.”

Chief Medical Officer Magda Smith officially opened the new unit, cutting a ribbon to mark the moment.

Magda said: “I was delighted to cut the ribbon to mark the opening of our new CYPAU at Queen’s Hospital. I know a lot of work has gone into it so thank you to everyone involved.

“It will allow us to increase our capacity and deliver an improved children’s service. Being able to assess and treat children for a short observation period and then return them to the comfort of their home, rather than admitting them, will mean a world of difference to our patients and their families.

“Our Trust’s recovery and restoration of services are hugely important. Initiatives such as our new CYPAU are a reflection of the remarkable collaborative efforts we’re undertaking to get us where we need to be.”