Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
WHAT IS PAU?
The Paediatric Assessment Unit is an assessment unit for children and young people referred by the G.P., the Children’s Emergency Department and those who have open access who require a paediatric review or input.
The department is designed to accommodate children that require short term observation and care but do not require overnight admission.
In the case that a child requires overnight admission, they are transferred to the F1 Paediatric Ward.
TRIAGE
Upon arrival in the unit, initial history and vital observations will be taken by the nursing team which involves a registered nurse and/or a health care assistant (HCA).
NOTE: Children who are in critical condition will get prioritised when urgent cares are required.
Certain tests or medications could be started such as urine collection, numbing cream or painkillers while waiting for the doctor.
DOCTOR’S REVIEW
After the doctor’s review, they will discuss a plan with the nursing team. The plan will vary depending on the outcome of this review.
Bloods may need to be taken in which parents/carers would be asked if their child needs numbing cream/spray applied beforehand. In the event of the child being very unwell, we may need to proceed with the blood test without applying a numbing cream due to urgency of the required tests.
Other investigations such as x-ray, scans or ECG, will also be performed if required. These will be explained to you by the doctor or the nurse before they are performed.
TESTS and INVESTIGATIONS
As soon as the blood tests and respiratory swabs are done, they will be sent to the lab immediately.
Depending on the test results, the team will then form another plan of whether to further observe, discharge or admit your child in the in-patient ward.
DISCHARGE PLANNING
Upon discharge, a nurse will give the required discharge medication as a TTO or on a printed prescription for you to take to your local pharmacy.
If your child needs admission to the in-patient ward, the PAU nurse will liaise with the ward nurse-in-charge to arrange an appropriate bed space. This may require your child to remain in the unit until the ward has an appropriate bed available.
FOOD and REFRESHMENTS
There are food and drink available for you and your child. Please help yourselves to crisps, biscuits, fruit and cold drinks by the nurses’ desk. Sandwiches and cereals are also available, please ask any staff member if you require something.
Formula milk is available for babies.
Your child has access to the hot food trolley on the ward at dinner time.
Tea and coffee are available at the parents’ kitchen near the playroom which is accessible to all.
RESTAURANT and CAFÉ
There are a range of food and drink facilities within the hospital.
PINETREES RESTAURANT
This is located at the RED corridor 1st floor. DISCOUNT stickers are available at the nurses’ desk.
They offer a variety of hot and cold food and drinks.
It is open from Monday to Sunday
Breakfast: 7:30 am to 10 am
Lunch: 12 pm to 2 pm
Dinner: 6 pm to 8 pm
GLADE CAFE
This is situated in the main entrance
They serve Premium teas and coffee with assorted hot and cold snacks
They are open from Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 6 pm
Or Saturday & Sunday (including Bank Holidays) – 9:30 am to 6pm
Your patience is greatly appreciated.
We aim to have the patients seen by the doctor within an hour of their arrival.
Our Play Team is present during the day to provide supportive activities and distractions for your child during procedures or waiting periods.
ASK FOR HELP
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to any of the medical staff.
For further information:
Visit the website www.
Check your local pharmacy for mild conditions
For moderate conditions, call 111
Or
for serious conditions, call 999
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Paediatrics service.
About this information
Service:
Paediatrics
Reference:
P/007
Approval date:
20 August 2025
Review date:
1 August 2027
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.