Ward F3 is a 26-bed children’s ward, caring for children and young people aged 0-16 years. It includes both a day unit and overnight beds for short stays.
Welcome to F3
We care for children who are:
- Coming in for planned (elective) surgery
- Attending for day procedures, tests or infusions
- Staying for a short admission after surgery
- Referred from the Emergency Department
Ward F3 is often the starting point for planned surgical care in paediatrics and also hosts the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic (POAC).
What We Do
We support children before, during and after their hospital visit.
Our team helps children:
- Get ready for surgery or procedures
- Have tests and treatments
- Recover safely before going home
Our team works closely with surgical, anaesthetic and specialist teams to ensure children are safe, prepared and supported throughout their care.
Planning Your Stay
Before your admission you will receive a letter:
- Confirming your child’s admission details
- Providing fasting (nil by mouth) instructions
Please bring:
- Any medications your child is taking
- Any special milk formulas for your child
- Comfort items such as toys, books or games
There may be some waiting time before procedures, and we have a playroom and activities available to help keep children occupied.
If you have not received this letter or have questions please contact the booking coordinators for the specialty your child will be admitted under.
Getting Here and Parking
We have two main car parks for our patients and visitors (Car Park 1 and Car Park 2), and a number of disabled bays.
Access Travel and Parking for more information.
Resident parents/carers can get a discounted price on the car park. Please ask a member of staff to stamp your parking ticket and take it to the car park office desk to get the discounted price.
How to Find Us
Ward F3 is located on Level 3 of the hospital.
- Enter through the main entrance
- Follow signs to the lifts or stairs
- Go to Level 3 and follow signs for F3
- The ward has a secure buzzer entry system, please do not allow people to tailgate behind you.
The ward is open from early morning for surgery and operates 24 hours a day.
When You Arrive
When you arrive:
- Check in with the ward clerk
- You may be directed to a bed space or asked to wait in the playroom
A nurse will:
- Ask questions about your child
- Record observations such as temperature, heart rate and oxygen levels
- Undertake height and weight measurements
- Females over 12 years old will require a pregnancy test
- Explain the plan of care
You will have the opportunity to ask questions at any time.
During Your Stay
Your Child’s Care
Your child will be cared for by a team of nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants and play specialists.
- A play specialist may help prepare your child using play and discussion
- Doctors and anaesthetists will explain procedures and gain consent
- Two parents/carers can be with the child during the day
- If your child requires an overnight stay only one parent/carer can stay
If your child is having surgery:
- One parent can go with them to the anaesthetic and recovery rooms
- You will be contacted when your child is in recovery
Find out who is who by uniform
Overnight Stay
Some children may need to stay overnight. Ward F3 has dedicated overnight beds, or your child may be transferred to another paediatric ward if needed.
- One parent/carer can stay overnight
- A bed is provided next to your child
Visiting
- Parents/carers can visit at any time
- Only two people are allowed at the bedside due to space constraints
- Siblings may visit - please speak to the nurse in charge beforehand
- Please be considerate of other patients and keep noise low
Visitors should not attend if unwell, to help protect vulnerable children.
Facilities and Meals
Play area and bedside activities
Please ensure your child and their siblings are supervised at all times in the play area. Activities can be provided at the bedside to keep your child entertained when they are waiting for surgery, please speak to a Play Specialist.
Parents’ room
Our Parents' room includes coffee and tea making facilities, microwave and fridge. Food and drinks may be brought in from home and they must be labelled with the children’s name so it is not used by others.
Please ensure this area is kept tidy and dishes are washed after use.
Children are not allowed in this area.
Patientline TV
A Patientline television is provided at your child’s bedside. The television is free until 19:00.
After 19:00 a package can be purchased which will allow the television to work until 21:00 with headphones. You will have to buy a phone package to use the telephone. Payment for the TV is taken over the TV’s phone via the operator. This unit needs to be registered for use on your arrival.
Going Home
Most children go home the same day or after a short stay.
Before discharge:
- A doctor or nurse will explain aftercare
- You will receive information about medications and follow-up
- You will have the opportunity to ask questions
We aim to discharge overnight patients by midday the following day where possible.
It is expected that you will organise your transport home. If you have transport issues please contact us ahead of time to discuss.
Before you go home, we may ask you to complete a short survey on an iPad or via the QR code. Please take a moment to complete this, your feedback helps us improve the ward for other children and families.