Children's centre open (From Penarth Times)

Children's centre open

A NEW 1.5 million children's assessment centre opened at Llandough Hospital this week.

The facility was officially opened by Dr Brian Gibbons, Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services.

The centre will provide a range of services including emergency assessments from GP referrals, child psychology, paediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. The 1.5 million cost was met by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The new children's assessment centre is for children of all ages and young adults.

It is expected to hold around 11 clinics each week, with specialties ranging from cystic fibrosis, special needs and general paediatrics. This is in addition to the emergency rapid access facility.

Also located within the children's centre is an assessment and treatment room for children with severe eczema and allergies.

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) previously located at Penarth Family Centre is also now part of the new Children's Centre.

Graham Shortland, Clinical Director of Children's Services, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, said he was delighted to see the Assessment Centre up and running.

Dr Gibbons added: "The expansion of the existing Children's Centre with the addition of this dedicated Assessment Unit is going to provide a very welcome and a very high quality contribution to the health and well being of local children.

"Most children do not like the idea of being in hospital, away from their parents, family and friends.

"This new Centre will offer the opportunity to many children to have their diagnostic tests performed without the need to be admitted into hospital overnight.

"I hope the unit will help children in Cardiff and the Vale just a little on the road to recovery."