Healthy new approach to hospital care for teens

Published on Thursday 7 May 2009 09:44

CARE in Lothian hospitals for teenagers is set to improve following guidelines issued by the Scottish Government.

Health boards across the country, including NHS Lothian, have been told to develop age-appropriate care in measures to make teenagers feel more comfortable while in hospitals.

It follows on from news that the new Sick Kids hospital at Little France will cater for patients up to the age of 16, and occasionally 18.

The guidance will see all hospitals lay on facilities for over-12s, more training for staff in dealing with youngsters and extra support for those teenagers in long-term care.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Clinical care for teenagers is of the highest standard. But in other aspects they have sometimes been stuck in the middle – some hospitals treat teenagers with small children or with much older people.

"By adopting the recommendations outlined in our report, hospitals will be able to make sure adolescents get care specifically tailored for them."