Kingfisher Ward
Kingfisher is a Children and Young People’s Ward for those aged up to 18 years.
The ward is located in East Wing Level 2, which can be accessed via Entrance 1. There is a lift by the entrance or stairs can be found at the end of the corridor (left through double doors). From 9pm these doors will be locked so you will need to use the intercom system outside.
Our ward philosophy centres on children, young people and family-centred care focusing on the individual as well as being part of a wider family.
We aim to provide high standards of care in partnership with parents/carers and value collaborative working where we can work together to meet the needs of you and your child.
Kingfisher Ward offers a friendly, safe and welcoming environment with a strong focus on seeing the ward through the eyes of the child and we are proud of our fantastic artwork to welcome you as you move through the ward.
Our senior team on Kingfisher are:
- Emma Collins – Acute Paediatric Matron
- Emma Davies – Ward Manager
- Julie Doherty – Kingfisher Clinical Lead
Inpatients
There are 14 inpatient beds on Kingfisher, six of these bed spaces are cubicles. If you are in a cubicle it may be because you have a baby under one years old, or a condition where this is the most appropriate place to be cared for.
The Kingfisher inpatient ward supports CYP with a variety specialties including general medicine, surgical, ear, nose and throat, orthopaedic.
Paediatric Assessment Unit
The Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) is located on Kingfisher Ward is an assessment facility for urgent and/or scheduled care and accepts referral from GP, Emergency Departments and community and specialist services.
PAU is designed to quickly determine if further medical care, treatment or observation is needed, with the aim to minimise hospital stay and prevent admission wherever possible.
There are six bed spaces on PAU, which are staffed separately to the inpatient area by nurses and doctors who specialise in treating children and young people.
If you/your child requires further care they may be admitted to an inpatient bed.
Paediatric Day Surgery Unit
Paediatric Day Surgery is also located on Kingfisher Ward and is the first bay near the entrance of the unit and is separately staffed space.
Children and young people requiring elective surgery can be referred from specialist services such as ENT, dental, maxilla facial, orthopaedic and general surgery and are cared for pre and post operatively by a team of paediatric staff specialising in day surgery care.
Part of this service is to provide pre-operative assessment, which is completed with the child or young person and parent/carer to assess, plan and prepare for surgery.
Play team
We recognise that play and education are essential to meet a child’s development needs and are fortunate to have a team including a play specialist and play assistants, based on the children’s ward.
The team will meet with you/your child whilst admitted on the unit and plan bespoke play activities based on preferences and ability.
Our playroom is full of games and activities to enjoy whilst on Kingfisher and is a bright, spacious and child-focused space. There is a large protected balcony available to use.
There is a seated teenagers’ room which has electronics and activities for older children.
School room
There is a school room on the ward which all school-aged children will be encouraged to attend.
We work alongside the Local Authority and Dorchester Learning Centre and are proud to be recognised for invigilation of GCSE exams if needed.
Visiting guidance
Parents/carers are welcome on the ward at all times but we do request that only one parent/carer is resident overnight on the ward.
There are reclining chairs or folding beds so that you can sleep beside your child.
If you would like any other visitors during your stay, please discuss this with the nurse looking after you.
Read more about our visiting guidance here.
Food and drink
Breakfast is provided from the ward kitchen. Please feel free to ask your nurse to help you/your child if they are allowed to eat.
Parents/carers are welcome to help themselves to drinks from the parent kitchen. If this is hot, please ensure you use a lid if taking from the kitchen.
We are fortunate to work with Sophie’s Legacy, aims to support families admitted to hospital with their child, with a key focus on improving the food offerings available. Parents on our children’s ward can access our ‘snack cupboard’ 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is stocked with a wealth of snacks, as well as some toiletries, available for both parents and children to enjoy and use at any time.
There is a small fridge where you can store a small amount of your own food if labelled, sealed and in date.
Menus for lunch and supper are provided for patients and breast-feeding mothers of babies aged six months and under. Please make us aware of any allergies/intolerances or cultural preferences.
Facilities
Costa Coffee – located near in the main hospital entrance in North Wing Level 1 and is open 7am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am and 5pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Terrace Café- located in South Wing Level 2 offering a small selection of hot and cold food and drinks and is open from 8am- 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Damers Restaurant – located in North Wing Level 2 and is the hospital’s main restaurant serving a large selection of food and drinks. It is open 7.30am – 7.30pm seven days a week.
More information can be found on our catering page.
Gully’s Place
Gully’s Place is a purpose-designed space, located in the Kingfisher Ward. The suite is designed for children and young people needing end-of-life care and for those whose families decide to stay in hospital during the final stages of terminal illness. Further information about Gully’s Place is available here.
Observations
During your stay a variety of observations are likely required to sure safe and effective care for you/your child. These may occur both day and night and vary in frequency.
Bedside lights may be required on low overnight, with doors/curtains left open so the healthcare team can do these checks effectively.
Consent
Consent in healthcare is the process of agreeing or giving permission for treatment. There are different ways you can give consent which will depend on the circumstance.
Infection control
If you/your child has the potential to be infectious, please remain in your cubicle and follow the infection control guidelines.
It is vital strict hand hygiene measures are followed when entering/leaving cubicle.
If you/your child develops any symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting throughout the admission, please inform the nurse caring for you immediately.
Parking
Parking is available at the hospital car park and multi-storey car park. Those staying on Kingfisher Ward are entitled to parking concessions. Please speak to your nurse who will be able to provide you with a discounted car parking form to take to the car park office on exit. Further information is available on our parking page.
Feedback
If you have any compliments, concerns or complaints during your stay please speak to a senior member of the nursing team.
Our Patient Experience Team offer a free and confidential service and are there to listen a respond to any queries, feedback or complaints.
The NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) is an important opportunity for you to provide feedback on the services that provide your care and treatment. Your feedback will help NHS England to improve services for everyone.
We truly value your feedback.
Patient information leaflets
Access our patient information leaflets.