Paediatric assessment unit now live at Whipps Cross
On 7 December 2020, we opened a new Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) just 100 meters away from our general emergency department. The PAU will provide same-day emergency care for paediatric patients via bookable appointments made by the patient’s GP.
The PAU aims to improve flow and tackle congestion within the emergency department. GPs will be encouraged to recommend patients via this route if they:
- Present acute medical problems and would have normally been referred to A&E
- Children who require an urgent outpatient review can now be seen within five days (previously two weeks)
- For suspected cancer cases – children can now be seen within seven days (previously two weeks)
- GPs can ask for advice and guidance on cases and receive feedback within five days
- Referrals for routine outpatient appointments
NB: there are exclusion criteria in these scenarios, and these are detailed in the guidance available to GPs
Importantly, this is a GP led service and patients or family members of patients can not access the service directly to self-refer or book an appointment. Therefore, limited external promotion of the PAU was agreed.
If you have any question around the PAU please contact Kirsty Webb-Wood