Children's emergency care — Canterbury

For basic information, call 03 364 0640 and ask for patient enquiries.

Patient confidentiality restricts us from giving out information over the phone. Our area is busy so keep enquiry calls to a minimum.

We are at the Christchurch Hospital emergency department.

Christchurch Hospital
Riccarton Avenue
Christchurch

The emergency department is clearly signposted on hospital entrance signs. It has a separate external entrance at the front of the hospital's Waipapa building.

We assess, monitor and provide treatment for children up to age 16. The ward has 22 beds. There is a waiting room and play area for families to use.

We have recliner chairs that parents or caregivers can use to sleep on.

We provide some supplies for your child:

• nappies
• formula
• food.

We advise bringing:

• any medications your child is taking (including creams, puffers and autoinjectors like an Epipen)
• your child's medication list (yellow card) if you have one
• a phone charger
• a toy your child likes.

What happens at the assessment

Emergency referral

All children referred by their healthcare provider or a 24-hour medical centre must first go to ED reception.

Other referrals

Assessment could take 3 to 4 hours, depending on your child's health problems.

After assessment your child will either be transferred to another ward or discharged.

We give you any relevant discharge letters, prescriptions or information before you leave. Let your nurse know when you are leaving.

Isolation

Some children need to be cared for in isolation to prevent the spread of infection. Your nurse will tell you if this is the case for your child. You should stay with your child in their room.

Your nurse will advise you of procedures and facilities you can use. You do not need to wear protective clothing but should wash your hands or apply alcohol-based hand gel as you enter and leave the room.

Food and drink

Check with your nurse before giving your child anything to eat or drink, as they will not be able to eat and drink before some procedures.

Let us know if your child has any food allergies or special dietary requirements (such as special baby formula, tube feeding or a supplemented drink).

Phones

Cell phones must not be used within one metre of medical equipment.

There is a free phone available for use in both the waiting room and within the Whānau room.

Children and adolescents must be referred to children's emergency care by:

• their usual healthcare provider
• an after hours medical centre
• the Christchurch Hospital emergency department.