Children in Hospital Survey 2018-19 has been released

Date: 19th November 2019
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare, Health and health services

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The survey takes an in depth look at the provision of parental visiting, family facilities and ward procedures in Scottish hospitals that admit children and young people.

It highlights good practice and progress and identifies where improvements need to be made.

Main findings include:

  • High percentages (above 89%) of paediatric neonatal and adult wards/units can accommodate at least one parent at night
  • The ability of parents/carers to accompany their child to the theatre and stay with them until they are asleep, and to be with their child in the ward after surgery, is almost universal
  • Access to spiritual care is virtually universal in all wards/units surveyed
  • There has been a general decline in the information given to young people, on confidentiality, consent and complaints/feedback on both paediatric wards (down between 14% and 48%) and adult wards (down between 12% and 30%)
  • The age of children and young people admitted to adult wards is not recorded at national or health board level. However, the survey has revealed that 16 general hospitals admit children and young people while 37% of paediatric wards reported that children under 16 years of age have, in the past, been accommodated on an adult ward
  • Three-quarters of paediatric wards admit children with a mental health condition, such as self-harm or eating disorder
  • Nearly all (94%) paediatric wards now have a dedicated play room

Improvements to facilities for young people, access to education, and information for children and families are highlighted as key recommendations.