A NEW children’s unit has opened at a hospital as part of a multi-million pounds project.

The new children’s outpatients department at Burnley General Teaching Hospital opened its doors this week.

It follows a move to improve facilities as part of an ongoing £18million redevelopment of the hospital.

Located on Level one in Area six Wilson Hey, the new children’s outpatients department offers nine consultation rooms, two treatment rooms, two weighing rooms and two waiting areas.

The facility will mainly cater for child outpatients in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale but will be open to everyone, including children from Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley.

Also included in the £18million redevelopment plans for the hospital is a new eye centre providing treatment and surgery for people across East Lancashire, and a new outpatients facility for adults.

Kevin McGee, chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “It is our absolute priority to provide excellent facilities and outstanding patient care, and the new Children's Outpatient Department will have a huge impact on our patients’ experience.

The children’s outpatient facilities also include a much-needed extra waiting area to assist parents and children on busier days.

The department has been built adjacent to the Children’s Day Case Surgery, Ward 27, and incorporates key changes to improve the patient’s experience.

Parents and kids have the freedom to move around the brightly decorated department with a main 40-seat waiting area featuring boldly coloured furniture, large screen TV and plenty of toys to keep young patients entertained.

Mr McGee added: “The new department is fantastic for patients and staff, and once again demonstrates the trust’s long-term commitment to Burnley General Teaching Hospital and the young people of East Lancashire.”

Mum Rachel Titley and son William were the first visitors to the new department and arrived to be presented with flowers and a gift voucher by delighted staff.

Artwork is still very much work in progress and staff plan to involve children in deciding which theme the new facilities will adopt.

Relocation of the children’s outpatients also means work can commence on a new and improved chemotherapy and breast care units at the hospital.

The investment comes after it was announced that Royal Blackburn Hospital’s A&E department is set to be expanded after it was awarded £5million to £10million in Government funding.

The money will pay for an expansion of the hospital’s A&E to provide two extra clinical rooms.