20 December 2024

Demand on emergency services across the country continues to grow, reflected by pressure increasing on Alder Hey’s Emergency Department (ED).

There are a cohort of children and young people who attend Alder Hey’s Emergency Department who do not require emergency care so we are creating a new type of facility that would be more appropriate for this group of children and young people.

At the heart of this ambition is the creation of a new purpose-built facility that will home a Paediatric Admissions Unit, Same Day Emergency Centre and Urgent Treatment Centre, enabling us to streamline emergency care and allowing children and young people to be seen more quickly by the most appropriate clinical team.

Benefits include improving patient flow and experience; reducing waiting times and length of stay; reducing pressure on bed capacity/Emergency Team; and boosting staff morale.

Construction began earlier this year and the new facility’s infrastructure is now ready to be connected to the existing ED building.

To enable works to proceed, the current ED waiting room will be relocated to within the Hospital’s Radiology Department on 7 January 2025.

What will change from the 7 January 2025?

  • The Emergency Department will remain open throughout this transition and Alder Hey will continue to provide care to children and young people.
  • Access to the Emergency Department Reception and waiting area will be through the Hospital Atrium, preferably via the WH Smith entrance which is closer to the ED car park.
  • The Reception Desk for those attending the Emergency Department will be located outside the Radiology Department in the main Atrium of the Hospital.
  • Radiology patients will now be asked to wait in a dedicated space within the Hospital Atrium.
  • There is no change to the current ambulance access arrangements.
  • Parents and carers of those attending the Emergency Department can still use the normal short stay car park and access the Atrium through the WH Smith entrance.
  • Due to limited space within our waiting areas we would appreciate it if children/young people are accompanied by one parent/carer where possible.
  • We are doing all we can to minimise disruption and appreciate your understanding at this time.
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