CHILD-RELATED SERVICES IN GENERAL ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

A survey undertaken by the British Paediatric Association (BPA) in 198 5 highlighted deficits in the services and facilities provided by acci dent and emergency (A&E) departments for children. Following this surv ey several documents were published by professional and voluntary orga nizations advising on the care of children in such departments. The cu rrent study, conducted as part of a larger project, involved the distr ibution of questionnaires (by post) to the nursing managers of a total of 193 general A&E departments in England, Scotland and Wales. The ov erall response rate of 87% was very encouraging. This article explores the nurse managers' perceptions of the personnel required to meet the needs of children in A&E. It looks especially at the role of Register ed Sick Children's Nurses (RSCNs). The findings suggest that the need for RSCNs is not always accepted. RSCNs seem to be employed in some de partments as a token presence. Factors seen by nurse managers as limit ing their recruitment are discussed. According to the responses given, the role of the RSCNs currently employed in A&E, varies considerably. The findings give some insight into the degree to which current staff ing for children in A&E meet the guidelines published by professional and voluntary bodies.