Creating calmer spaces for kids in emergency departments
If you’ve ever had to rush a child to emergency, you know it can be a scary time. Here, staff explain how our new children’s emergency departments are making a difference for families in Victoria.
Across five of Victoria’s busiest hospitals, we are designing and building new specialist emergency departments just for children.
The $102.4 million program will deliver new children’s emergency departments at:
- Northern Hospital in Epping
- Frankston Hospital
- Casey Hospital in Berwick
- Maroondah Hospital
- University Hospital Geelong.
These facilities are designed to provide a private, calm and reassuring environment for kids receiving treatment, and their families.
They are designed with children and families in mind: walls are painted with muted colours, with fun decals at child height. These spaces also maximise natural light and minimise noise.
Sensory rooms provide kids with adjustable lighting, video and audio – so families can adjust and control their own environment.
The program will also help meet the growing demand for paediatric emergency care, reduce wait times and provide more personalised care for children and families.