Childrens (Paediatrics)

The paediatric department deals with acute and emergency conditions in children and newborn babies and is made up of an outpatients department, two wards and an ambulatory care service.

The department treats every child and baby as an individual, with unique physical, psychological, spiritual and educational needs. It also recognises the importance of family involvement and support, and aims to provide support for families to return home with confidence and knowledge which enables them to continue care in the child’s natural environment.

Riverbank ward (children’s ward)

Riverbank ward has 16 beds/cots and cares for children and teenagers from 0 – 16 years. There are two high dependency beds for sicker children and a dedicated children’s day surgical service. There is also a pleasant play area and open air garden for the children which are both supervised by the play leaders. For more information about Riverbank ward please click here.

The Ambulatory Care Service led by a consultant and a nurse practitioner provides a service for day assessments and day investigations, urgent GP referrals, children with open access and ward attendees and is based on Riverbank ward.

Take a virtual tour

The Paediatric departments at Bedfordshire Hospitals have collaborated with Little Journey, to create videos of our children’s wards and Theatres so our younger patients can see what to expect when they come to the ward for surgery.

This is to prepare your child for their hospital experience from the comfort of your own home whilst helping them familiarise themselves with what will happen and who they will meet on their hospital journey!

Download the app and select Luton and Dunstable University Hospital or Bedford Hospital to view the virtual tours and animations and play some fun games. There are helpful reminders, hospital guides and informational articles for the grown ups too.

Learn more at www.littlejourney.health

Meadowbank Ward

Meadowbank ward is a modern special care baby unit.

Children’s Out-patient Department

The children’s outpatient department is based in Cygnet Wing opposite adjacent to the entrance. The department runs routine outpatient clinics including specialty clinics in cardiology, respiratory medicine, oncology, diabetes, rheumatology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and dermatology.

Children’s Blood Tests

Children under sixteen need to attend the children and teenager’s outpatient unit in Cygnet Wing, at Bedford Hospital (South Wing).  All children’s blood tests are by appointment only.

From Monday 18 October 2021, additional appointment systems have been introduced. There will be a number of ways to book an appointment including:

• Using the online booking service (available 24/7). Patients will need to register online using the child’s details: www.bedfordpaediatrics.sangix.co.uk
• The automated telephone booking service using the child’s details (available 24/7). The telephone number is: 01234 868006

When booking the appointment, please register with your child’s details.

You can speak to our Paediatric team Monday to Friday during limited opening hours (9am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm) on 01234 730421, if your child has additional needs, or those with special requests such as fasting, genetics and hormone tests. Also, please call this number if you are unable to book an urgent appointment within a week’s time. Please endeavour to call this number only for the criteria listed as the line can get very busy. If possible, appointments should be booked online or via the automated booking system.

Please read the following information carefully about your child’s blood test:

• A blood test form is required on each visit.
• Please arrive on time.
• Check the personal ID on the form is correct before arriving for the test.
• Please ensure your child is well hydrated.
• If you would like your child to have skin numbing cream prior to the blood test, please follow these guidelines: the cream should be put on one hour before the appointment, in the crease of each elbow and on the back of each hand. Wrap in cling film. Put a blob of the cream on the skin – do not rub it in. Cream can be purchased over the pharmacy counter, or if the blood test is requested by your GP, they will be able to write a prescription for you.
• Results for standard tests usually take 1 to 5 working days.
• Children need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Arriving late: patients arriving more than 10 minutes after their booked appointment will have to rebook.
• Fasting blood tests: please have nothing to to eat or drink except glasses of water 12 hours before the time of your appointment.
• Bruising may sometimes occur post-procedure.