New Sensory Equipment Enhances Care in Children's Emergency Department

Arrowe Park Hospital has introduced a mobile multisensory station to its Children’s Emergency Department (ED), significantly improving the environment for young patients.

This innovative distraction kit, featuring a colour changing bubble column and fibre optic tail, is designed to create a calming atmosphere, particularly benefiting children with neurodiversity such as autism, ADHD, and other sensory processing disorders. It helps calm the brain, increasing focus and attentiveness in other aspects of life.

“The mobile multisensory station has been a really useful addition to our department,” said Emma Hogg, Children’s Emergency Department and Assessment Unit Manager. “It not only helps us treat children with neurodiversity but also provides a much-needed distraction for some of our younger patients.”

In addition to the multisensory station, the department has received a sensory box, funded by The Beyond Project, and donated to WUTH by Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The box includes colour-changing eggs, fidget toys, weighted lap pads, sunglasses, ear defenders, and wobble cushions, all aimed at providing comfort and distraction.

“This makes a hospital visit in a busy environment less stressful for the whole family,” said Tamara Gilbert of Positivitree, a social enterprise that supports parents and carers of children with disabilities and special educational needs.  “It’s great to keep them feeling calm and reduce over stimulation from all of the sounds, smells and lights.”

To further enhance the patient experience, a long-range pager system has been introduced. This allows young patients to leave the department and be notified when it’s their turn to be seen, reducing the stress and sensory overwhelm that can occur in busy waiting areas.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “It’s important that the hospital environment is as comfortable as possible for young patients. Creating a supportive and calming atmosphere with equipment like this can make a big difference to their experience.”

Tim Welch, Chief Executive, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) said: “CWP’s Children Young People and Families Care Group are delighted to be part of this initiative supporting the needs of children and young people accessing support at Arrowe Park Hospital.

“It is a great example of the power of system partners working together, ensuring the health and wellbeing of children and young people is at the heart of what we do”. 

Caption: Our model Polly, playing with the kit.