The Infant Surgical service in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC) provides care for sick infants, many of whom require highly specialised surgery and post-operative care.
Infant surgical beds have been temporarily relocated within other wards in the hospital while refurbishment work is carried out. The infant surgical unit will reopen in new facilities adjacent to an existing children’s surgical ward, which will provide improved accommodation for both patients and their families. The new location adjacent to other paediatric services will also facilitate the maintenance of appropriate staffing levels, thereby ensuring the quality and safety of patient care. The unit will reopen later this year.
The interim arrangements have not led to any reduction in beds or diminution of the service.