A newly designed, calming room for children and young people experiencing mental health issues has officially opened at Queen’s Hospital.
The purpose-built facility provides a safer, quieter environment for patients under the age of 16 who are awaiting a mental health bed or appropriate care placement.
Until now, these young patients have remained in the hospital’s children’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) department — a setting that can be noisy, busy, and brightly lit around the clock, which is often unsuitable for those in mental health crisis.
The new room has been carefully created with the specific needs of these young people in mind. It features adjustable lighting to create a more soothing atmosphere, a bed, storage for personal belongings, a private bathroom with a shower, and a large beanbag to offer comfort and a sense of calm, away from the traditional clinical environment of an A&E department.
The purpose-built facility provides a safer, quieter environment for patients under the age of 16
Crucially, everything within the room has been risk-assessed by clinicians from the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) to ensure it is safe for individuals in mental health crisis.
In addition, the room is staffed by a registered mental health nurse, ensuring that patients receive appropriate, specialist care while they await further treatment or placement.
Located within the hospital’s Children and Young People’s Assessment Unit, the facility allows young patients to be moved out of the A&E department once they no longer require medical treatment, helping to reduce stress and improve their overall experience during an already challenging time.
Until now, these young patients have remained in the hospital’s children’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) department
Emily Bell, Head of Nursing for Children at Queen’s Hospital, said: “This will make a huge difference to children experiencing mental health issues, giving them a much more calming place to be than a loud and busy A&E.
“The room has been specially designed and assessed to ensure the comfort and safety of the children who will benefit from it, and having it staffed by a trained mental health nurse will ensure they have the right support while in our hospital.”
Top image: Calming room at Queen's Hospital