Welcome to Galaxy ward

What is galaxy ward?

Galaxy ward is an inpatient paediatric ward for children and young people up to the age of 18. The ward has 24 beds plus six-day surgery beds. We care for patients who have been admitted from the emergency department, an outpatient or ambulatory clinic, or through their GP. Patients may also be admitted for planned procedures and operations.          

What to expect on galaxy ward

When your child arrives on the ward, they will be seen by members of the nursing and medical teams. They will examine your child and take a full medical history. A nurse or healthcare assistant will confirm your details, such as home address and telephone number.

They will record some observations about your child which may include their weight, temperature, heart, breathing rate, and blood pressure. 

What happens once my child has been admitted?

Your child may need multiple investigations whilst an inpatient either to diagnose their condition or to monitor how they are responding to treatment. Medical staff will always explain these to you and your child and give you any results once they are available. 

The nurses and doctors will explain what is expected to happen during your child’s stay on the ward. Please feel free to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand. 

Infection control measures

All inpatient wards in the hospital are subject to infection control guidelines. These are in place to keep your child safe. Please let us know if your child has had an infectious illness or has been in contact with somebody who has. 

To help maintain cleanliness, please also keep your child’s bed space or cubicle tidy. Please make sure their bedside table is kept clear at mealtimes.

If your child is being cared for in a side room, please speak to your nurse about any additional requirements, such as always keeping your child in the cubicle if they need to remain isolated. 

Cubicles within the ward are only for children who are immunocompromised, have an active infection, or are waiting for tests results. If test results show your child is not infectious, they will be moved into a bay.

If your child is in a high dependency bed, once their condition has improved, you could be moved to another cubicle or bay. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer private cubicles. 

Who can visit my child on the ward?

At present, one parent or carer can stay with their child overnight and an additional parent or significant adult, such as an extended family member, is able to visit during the day between 10am and 8pm. Please note there must be no more than two people by the bedside, so healthcare professionals can check your child when needed.

Unfortunately, we cannot allow children or siblings under the age of 18 years to visit alone unless a parent/suitable adult is present.

One bed is provided for the parent or carer that wishes to stay overnight. There is also a parents’ room where you can prepare hot drinks and food throughout your stay. Parent beds must be put away by 9am to allow the domestic staff to clean and the ward is ready for the ward round.

Further information on patient visiting can be found on our website. If you have any questions about visiting, please speak to a member of the nursing staff. 

What happens on the ward round?

Children who stay overnight will be seen by the paediatric consultant during the morning ward round which starts at 10am. If you have any urgent queries between ward rounds, please speak to your child’s nurse. 

When are mealtimes on the ward?

During your child’s stay, meals will be served to them between the following times: 

• Breakfast: 8am to 9am
• Lunch: 12noon to 1pm
• Dinner: 5pm to 6pm

If your child has any specialist dietary requirements, please tell a member of the nursing staff. We can offer breakfast to parents who stay overnight. We can only offer lunches or dinners to breastfeeding parents or if you are expressing breast milk for your baby in hospital. Once a month, we also have a themed ‘Teddy Bear’s’ picnic for the children on the ward.

What else can my child do on the ward?

Children can use the playroom and outside area. Our play specialists are here to help your child manage their anxieties and try to normalise their stay in hospital. The play team also distracts and provides activities either in the playroom or by their bedside. They are available between 7.30am and 5pm.

The ward also has a school room with teachers available during normal school hours and term time only for those children aged between five and 16 years. For children who cannot attend lessons in the school room, education activities will be provided at their bedside. 

Please ask if you require additional toys or activities for your child. Once they are finished with any toys, let the team know so they can be cleaned and made available for other children on the ward. The playroom will close for a short time at 8.30am, 9.30am and 4.30pm due to staff meetings.

What happens when my child is discharged?

When your child is ready to be sent home, you will be given a discharge summary which explains why your child was admitted, what treatment they have received, any medications they will need to take home and if your child needs to be seen again. A nurse will explain your child’s medicines to you if you have any to take home.

Depending on why your child was admitted, you may also be given an information leaflet on their condition or what to do next. In case of an emergency, you should either attend your nearest emergency department with your child or call 999. 

Giving us feedback

We are always looking for ways to improve our service and the care our patients receive. We appreciate your feedback, and a ‘friends and family’ survey is available for you to let us know your thoughts and comments. 

Results are anonymous and can help shape our future service. Feedback surveys are available on the this website.