Facilities for children in accident and emergency departments

Abstract

A postal survey of 193 UK accident and emergency departments (A&E) was undertaken to establish the provision of facilities for children. One hundred and fifty-one responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. The results suggest that there has been a considerable improvement in the quality and quantity of paediatric facilities in A&E since the British Paediatric Association (BPA)1 reported the results of its survey in 1985. The improvements appear to be consistent with recommendations made by professional bodies1,2, voluntary agencies3 and the Audit Commission 4. [ NT Research 1996; 1: 3, 206-215]