We understand that coming to a clinic appointment can be worrying for both children and adults. The aim of this web page is to help with common questions and concerns and to help you get the most benefit out of your appointment. We are all here to help.
- Before The Appointment
- What Happens on the Day
- Meeting Our Team
- Facilities
- Travelling and Car Parking Advice
- Maps and Public Transport
Before The Appointment
Where is the Appointment?
Your appointment letter will tell you where to go for the appointment. Clinic appointments are in the Outpatient Department, ground floor, Children’s Hospital.
Who needs to be there?
A parent or legal guardian must come with the child. Due to infection control and limited space in the clinic, no more than two adults should come with the child. Where possible, please do not bring other children.
What to bring to the appointment?
Please bring:
- The appointment letter
- Any medications, including inhalers, your child is currently taking
- Your child’s Health Record book if they have one (Red book for under 5s)
- Snacks/drinks.
We have activities, books and toys in our waiting areas. Your child can also bring their own.
Can I ask questions?
Absolutely! We want you to get the most out of your child’s appointment. You may want to think about the questions you have in advance and write them down.
How can you help?
Most new patient appointments take approximately 30mins, however, specialist clinics can vary and may last up to 1 hour. Review appointments are generally much shorter. The Outpatient department can be extremely busy at times therefore, appointments can run behind schedule.
We would encourage you to do the following to help our teams assess your child:
- Bring a record (diary) of your child’s symptoms, when they started and how long they have been causing you concern.
This could also include:
- Photographs or videos that can help describe your child’s problem(s) eg. rashes, unusual body movements. Grouping them together on your phone can make them more accessible
- If we have asked you to complete anything prior to your appointment, please remember to bring it along with you eg. headache diary.
We realise this can be a stressful time for you and your child but ask that you try to reassure them as best as you can prior to their appointment.
What Happens on the Day
1) Check In
Please, let reception staff know you have arrived, have your appointment letter at hand. You will be asked to take a seat and to listen for your child’s name being called. Let reception staff know of any change in address or contact details.
2) The Waiting Area
The waiting area can be extremely busy, as several clinics are on at the same time. Your child will be called to have their height and weight checked before seeing the doctor/nurse. If your child requires a blood test we can apply ‘magic’ cream at this point or use a ‘freezy’ spray beforehand. Sometimes we ask to check a urine sample at this stage too. Staff will try to keep you informed if there are any delays at the clinic.
Please ensure your child is supervised at all times whilst in the department in order to prevent any accidents. We would really appreciate your help with this!
3) Your Appointment
You might be seen by the consultant overseeing your child’s care, or by another professional such as a doctor, nurse or therapist.
You and your child (if old enough) will be asked about the following:
- Background
- General Health
- The problem
Your child will then be examined. Loose clothing can be helpful here.
Please note: This is a teaching hospital, therefore, trainee medical or nursing students may join in on your appointment.
4) After Your Appointment
If your child needs any medication, we will arrange for this with your GP or practice Pharmacist.
If your child needs another appointment, test or follow up, we will discuss this with you at their appointment.
If you cannot attend your appointment please let us know as soon as possible by contacting our Appointments Office: 028 9615 9800
Please note: The Trust cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to valuables.
Meeting Our Team
- Consultants
- Specialist Doctors/Trainees
- Nurses & Nurse Specialists
- Medical/Nursing Students
- Health Care Assistants
- Play Specialists
- Dieticians
- Physiotherapists
- Phlebotomist (someone who takes your blood)
Interpreting Services
If you require an interpreter, please let us know in advance by contacting our Appointments Office. We will do our best to arrange a face-to-face interpreter for your appointment.
Wheelchair access and disability services
If you have a disability or a speech, hearing or visual impairment, please let us know as soon as possible. We provide a range of services and facilities for people with disabilities.
Play Specialists in the Children’s Outpatient Department
Hospital Play Specialists can help make your families visit as positive as possible.
All children are welcome to play in our waiting areas. Toys and equipment are set out for all ages.
If you want to ask anything about your hospital visit, Play Specialists can tell you what happens and why. They have special books and activities to help explain things.
If you are feeling worried, they will listen to you and help you feel more relaxed. If you are feeling bored, they have lots of toys, games and fun things to make. They have stickers and bravery certificates for you to take home.
Play Specialists can help prepare you for procedures and provide distractions. We advise you to be honest with your child about their visit to hospital.
If you have any concerns about needles, hospitals or any other phobias, we will try to help you! Please ask us about this, before your appointment, by contacting the appointments office at 02896 159800
Facilities
Restaurant
The Children’s hospital restaurant is on First Floor – serves cooked breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks.
Opening times:
- Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 17.30
- Sat-Sun: 08.30 – 17.30
Coffee Dock
Is on ground floor – facing Outpatients Serves soup, sandwiches, snacks, hot and cold drinks.
Opening times:
- Mon-Fri: 08.00 – 16.00
Cash Machine
The nearest cash machine can be found at the entrance of the Children’s Hospital. Please note there is a charge of £1.00 to withdraw cash.
Other machines are located in the Main Royal Hospital or locally on the Fall’s Road.
Vending machines are also located around the hospital serving snacks and drinks. They accept cash and card transactions.
Feeding and Nappy Changing
Facilities are available, although you must bring your own nappies and feeds with you. Ask a member of staff for directions. Please ask if you require any assistance.
Infection Control
Please help prevent the spread of infection by:
- Washing your hands
- Using hand gels when entering or leaving the Outpatients Department
- If your child has an infection or is unwell, please do not bring them.
Please Ring our appointments office on 028 9615 9800 and reschedule their appointment.
All of our sites and associated grounds operate a no smoking policy.
Travelling and Car Parking Advice
Getting to the Hospital
By Car
The visitor’s car parks can be found: Royal Hospitals site map. There is a small charge for parking which you will need to pay at the pay machine before you return to your car.
Allow yourself plenty of time (at least one hour) to park and get to your clinic appointment. The visitor’s car parks can get very busy and there can be queues at peak times
Bus Service
There are a number of bus routes that can take you to the Royal Victoria Hospital. For details of these you can visit: Getting there | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust page or contact Translink on (028) 9066 6630 for further information.
Travel Expenses
You may be eligible to claim public travel expenses if you receive benefits, universal credit or are on a low income. Claim forms can be obtained from reception in the Children’s Outpatient Department.
More transport information can be found by visiting: Getting there | Belfast Health & Social Care Trust page.
Maps and Public Transport
The Children’s Hospital can be accessed by either the Broadway or Grosvenor Road entrances. Both entrances are close to the M1, Westlink and Falls Road.
Download the Royal Hospitals site map.