Increasing capacity in acute day care settings: patients' experiences of a pop-up day care unit. (23rd February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gil-Zaragozano, Elena; Marriage, Deborah
• Is Part Of: British journal of nursing. Volume 32:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 219
• Publication Date: 2023-02-23
• Subjects: Ambulatory care -- Nightingale hospital -- Allergic disease -- Inflammatory bowel disease -- Paediatric; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2023.32.4.216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-0461

Abstract

Abstract : The COVID-19 pandemic had considerable impact on paediatric ambulatory care. A pop-up paediatric day care unit for children with allergic and inflammatory bowel diseases was delivered from Nightingale Hospital Bristol (NHB) which was set up to treat patients during the pandemic. Methodology: The unit operated fortnightly between December 2020 and March 2021. Family feedback on the service was collated via an online survey. Results: 72 respondents found NHB acceptable; 70 (97%) would be happy to return; 63 (90.3%) preferred the NHB to attending Bristol Royal Hospital for Children or had no preference for their appointments. Positive comments focused on service organisation and clinical environment. Families valued the availability of the close, free parking. The minimal negative comments related to travel directions, lack of catering facilities and the small number of toilets. Conclusion: The pop-up service model was highly acceptable to families. This highlights the need for appropriate hospital services to explore similar initiatives beyond traditional healthcare settings in order to ensure that the provision of equitable health care is in line with the NHS Long Term Plan .