OPAT Service

They look after babies, children and young adults up to the age of 16 who are being treated for either a medical or surgical condition.

Referral to the OPAT team

Our team includes two consultants, a nurse specialist, three staff nurses, a co-ordinator, pharmacist and microbiologist.

Your child’s consultant will refer them to the OPAT service and from then on your child will receive joint care from the OPAT team and the team that referred them.

Before your child is discharged you will meet one of the OPAT nurses who will explain how to care for your child’s intravenous access (the tube that goes into their vein) at home.

Coming to see us

You will be given an appointment time to meet with a nurse. Please arrive on time for your appointment to help us keep the service running smoothly.

You can find us on D Floor through the doors to Ward S3.

We have a small infusion lounge which has two treatment chairs. As we only have limited space no more than two adults should come to the appointment and wherever possible siblings should not attend.

Home visits

The OPAT service also offers home visits to our patients. This means that a nurse will come and give the intravenous antibiotic to your child in your own home.

You will be given an appointment time for your home visit prior to discharge from the hospital so please make sure that you and your child are available at this time.

If this is something you are interested in please speak to the OPAT nurses when they come to visit you on the ward.

Home visits are subject to capacity and location.

Feedback

If your child has been treated by the OPAT team, please fill in an evaluation form, available from a team member, to help us keep improving our service.