PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE - THE EXPERIENCE OF IMPLEMENTING A CHILDRENS DAY ASSESSMENT UNIT IN A DISTRICT GENERAL-HOSPITAL

A paediatric day assessment unit was opened in May 1995. An audit of t he first year's activity showed that, despite an increase in emergency admissions of 8.4%, the number of children admitted as an emergency o vernight was reduced by 3% in paediatrics and 7.2% in surgery. In the first year, 1731 children were assessed as an emergency of whom 658 di d not require admission to the inpatient ward. Midnight occupancy fell 17.7% in paediatrics and 25.4% in surgery. The nurse staffing costs f ell over pound 32 000 in the first year. No adverse events occurred du ring the first year of operation; this type of facility could lead to a more efficient use of resources in any children's unit.