July 2005

Children’s ward on show

Hundreds of people visited Ballarat Base Hospital’s Paediatric and Adolescent Ward during an open day.

There were tours of the 19-bed unit, poster displays, fun activities, refreshments, prizes and show bags.

Children were invited to don caps and masks, listen through stethoscopes, view computer screens and play with hospital toys during the open day.

Each month, the highly-trained staff care for up to 200 children in the Paediatric and Adolescent Unit, around 800 children attend the Emergency Department and about 125 children present at Outpatients.

More than 12 per cent of patients admitted to the hospital are babies and children.

The Paediatric Unit’s team of specialists includes four paediatricians and qualified paediatric nurses offering general, surgical and medical care.

A post-graduate paediatric course is run in conjunction with Melbourne University and Ballarat Health has strong links with the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s care with two parent flats and a pantry outside the ward.

Folding beds can be set up next to the child’s bed.