The Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) is a short‑stay ward for children aged 0 – 16 years who require further assessment or treatment. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Children can be referred to PAU through the following routes:
- from Emergency Departments (EDs)
- direct referral from GPs
- direct referral from the Unified Paediatric Advice and Guidance Service (UPAGS)
- direct referral from other allied health professionals
What to expect during your visit
On arrival to the unit, a nurse will aim to carry out an initial assessment within 15 minutes of arrival. At times this may be difficult due to high demand. Patients are seen in order of clinical priority which can often mean they are not seen in order of arrival.
Each child is triaged by a nurse and will be reviewed by a doctor in accordance with their medical needs. Once seen by a doctor, they may be discharged home or require further observations/investigations within the assessment unit.
Patients who require admission
Some children may need extra time in PAU for treatment or monitoring.
If a longer stay is needed, the child may be moved to Ward 15/'16, which is the paediatric inpatient ward.
Patients on discharge
PAU is a busy unit that cares for children 24 hours a day. When treatment is complete and your child is assessed as safe to go home, you will be discharged. This does mean this may happen at anytime of the day or night.
A discharge letter will be given, which explains:
- why the child came to hospital
- what treatment was given
- a plan for further treatment at home if required
Last reviewed: 20 April 2026