YOUNGSTERS from one city school have given a newly-created children’s area at Hereford County Hospital’s Emergency Department a clean bill of health.

The pupils from St Thomas Cantilupe inspected the newly developed area which has been created to ensure children have their own space away from adults when they arrive at the Emergency Department.

Elements of the area’s design were based on the feedback of youngsters from the hospital’s children’s ward who visited the Emergency Department armed with clipboards and pens.

“It’s important that when children come into the Emergency Department they feel safe and are kept in as calm an environment as possible, while at the same time they are provided with with enough stimulation to keep them occupied,” said consultant Rachel McColm.

“Understandably the department can seem a strange and busy place to children so we’re delighted to have this newly created area which keeps them away from the very busy waiting room and is specifically designed to help them feel safe and secure."

A colourful mural on the wall depicts a countryside scene and hides a number of animals and objects for children to spot while they are waiting to be seen and new toys will help to keep young patients occupied.

The area is an important part of the hospital’s Emergency Department with around 7,000 children visiting the department each year.

“The pupils really liked the new waiting room," added Ms McColm. "They had a good look round and we showed them how we would monitor their heartbeat, among other things, if they came in as a patient.

“Overall they were very impressed with the new area - although we made it clear that just because they liked it, they should still do all they could to stay safe and stay away from the department!”