The Children's Assessment Unit is based on the 6th floor of the Fothergill building at Good Hope Hospital.
The unit is a place where children (0 - 16 years) can be referred when they need further checks or treatment. Please be aware we experience periods of high demand, and patients are seen in order of clinical priority.
Each child is assessed by a nurse and then reviewed by a doctor, in accordance with their medical needs. Patients are seen in order of clinical priority which can often mean they are not seen in order of arrival. After being seen, a child may go home or may need more observations or tests in the unit.
Sometimes the doctor may decide that a child requires admission to the ward. This might be a longer length of stay on CAU or on the inpatient ward at Heartlands Hospital. There is also a high dependency bed for children who need extra monitoring. This is a short stay bed, and the team will inform parents if the child will need to be transferred to another health care facility.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust is a teaching hospital, so student nurses and doctors may help provide care as part of their training. CAU is a learner-led ward environment and therefore you will see a greater number of student nurses.
Across all our ward areas, we work with our colleagues in the play team and catering to make your child’s stay as comfortable as possible. Please ask if you need assistance with play activities or nutrition and hydration while you are with us and ask to see the children’s menu for patient catering information.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s care please ask to speak to the ward manager, on-call senior nurse or consultant on duty.
Last reviewed: 20 April 2026