The Wessex Cardiac Centres reputation for the treatment of children is world renowned. Patients not only come from central southern England but also from Cornwall, Devon and the Channel Islands. 40% of these patients were under the age of 1.
Children who come under the care of the congenital cardiac services at Southampton General Hospital, stay on E1, also known as, Ocean Ward.
The bright and welcoming environment has been carefully designed to put children at ease, and there are plenty of toys, games and books.
There are 2 play leaders who can help take the children's minds off their treatment, pain and the uncertainty of operations.
If your child has come back from surgery to the ward, they will go into High Care Dependency where there is specialist equipment to monitor their progress. Once ready to leave, they will then move to Dolphin Bay or one of the side rooms. There are TVs and DVDs available at the bed spaces as well as a parent bed (except in Nursery and High Care). Alternative accommodation will be arranged on the ward for parents of children who are in Nursery or High Care. It is not possible for both parents to stay on the ward with their children but there is alternative local accommodation nearby. Please contact the ward for more information.
Meals are provided for your children and the nurses should be aware of any special dietary requirements. There is a communal kitchen where there are snacks available along with the kitchen equipment. You are welcome to bring in your own food to store in the fridge/freezer as long as it is clearly labelled.
There is a Tesco metro approximately 10 minutes walk away and parents and family members can use the hospital restaurants. You may also be entitled to a discount during hospital stays.
There are showers and bathroom facilities on the ward for parents and the children. There is also a disabled toilet and shower.
If your child is of school age, the hospital will arrange for a teacher to work with them on the ward and liaise with their school; if they are well enough, they may be able to attend the hospital school.
There are several computers, Playstations and X-Boxes' on the ward. You can use the computer to emailf friends and family. There is also a Teenage room which is a purpose built area for teenagers and they do have access to the internet but it is supervised.
Fire alarms are tested on a Monday morning.
Contact Information:
Address
E1 Ocean Ward
Southampton General Hospital
Tremona Road
Southampton
SO16 6YD
Telephone
02380 796470
Cardiac Liaison Nurses - Telephone
02380 794659
