The role of paediatric emergency assessment units (Chapter 23)

The primary aim of this chapter is to raise the understanding of the key issues surrounding the emergency assessment of the sick child and family. The specialist skills required by paediatric nurses and the importance of the environment in which the child is admitted and treated will be explored. The introduction of the NHS Direct, walk-in centres and the changing role of both the GP and community nurse require all nurses working within the NHS to explore new ways of working in line with recent government directives. These nurses work with the child and family to provide hospital acute care when appropriate and support for the child to be cared for at home whenever possible.