What happens when I come in?

When you enter the emergency department, please go to reception to give us your details. All the information you give us will be treated in confidence.

A nurse will talk to you to see how you are feeling. They can give you some medicine if any part of you hurts or you are feeling very unwell. You'll then be asked to wait in our children's waiting room until a nurse or doctor is ready to see you. The waiting room has books and toys to play with and there is a separate room for teenagers, which has arcade games and information leaflets for older children.

When we're ready to see you, a nurse will show you into the children's treatment area which is open 24 hours a day. The children's area is bright and colourful, with all sorts of toys, books, games and DVDs to keep you occupied. Sometimes we even have art and craft sessions for you to join in with!

All the doctors and nurses are very friendly and want to help you get better as quickly as possible.

While you're here, you may need to have an x-ray. This is a special photograph of your bones and will not hurt. There is no need to worry, your mum, dad or carer can stay with you while you're having your x-ray.

Back in the children's area, the doctor can show you the picture of your bones on the computer. If you have a broken bone, we will treat you by putting on a plaster cast or a bandage. Sometimes we will ask the bone doctors (orthopaedic) to come and see you.

At the end of your visit you will either go home or may need to stay on one of the children's wards in the hospital to have more treatment to help you get better. If this does happen, don't worry, one of your parents can stay on the ward with you.