Starlight inpatient and outpatient services
Message to parents – Updated arrangements 23 December 2020
The Children's Emergency Area in the A&E remains 'open' at Homerton 24 hours a day to care for children.
As of 8pm on 23 December 2020, Starlight Ward is closed but we have set up a Starlight Paediatric Assessment Unit during this emergency period. This means that we can look after your child for up to 12 hours. If your child needs care for longer than 12 hours, then we will transfer you and your child to the Royal London Hospital.
If you are concerned about your infant or child we are here to help
When your child is ill or injured it is very difficult to decide if/when to call your child’s GP, NHS111, or go to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E). While the Government is asking everyone to stay at home, it can be confusing to know what to do.
Click here for general advice for parents/ carers about when to seek help.
Click here for advice for parents/ carers of babies less than three months about when to seek help.
Click here for advice if you are child or young person about when to seek help.
On this page you will be able to find out about our inpatient and outpatient services, known collectively as Starlight.
Starlight ward
The children's inpatient ward has 15 beds (one of which can be used to care for children requiring one-to-one nursing) as well as a three-bed observation area. There are play facilities, treatments rooms and adolescent facilities. There is a parents' room where refreshments are provided.
The ward provides around the clock access for urgent GP referrals and children-only outpatient clinics. Many emergency admissions come via our children’s emergency assessment (CEA) unit where children may be observed for a short while, or have necessary investigations done before being either discharged home or admitted to Starlight children’s ward.
Visiting timesThere is open visiting for parents or primary carers. All other family members are free to visit from 10am to 8pm (unless previously discussed with the nurse-in-charge). Please be considerate and restrict the number of visitors to two at each bedside.
Staying with your child
We encourage parents to stay with their child and can provide a bed. However, because of lack of space, only one parent can stay overnight. Brothers and sisters should not stay overnight, but can visit during the day.
Please attend doctors ward rounds
The morning ward round usually starts at 10am. We appreciate parents being present to ask any questions that they may have. Ward rounds are repeated at intervals and you will have an opportunity to meet the medical team caring for your child. We can only discuss the medical condition of a child with a parent or guardian.
Starlight outpatients
The unit is located on the first floor above the main reception at the entrance of the hospital.
| Allergy | Dietitian | Respiratory |
| CAMHS | Rheumatology | ENT |
| Blood borne virus | Cardiology | Ophthalmology |
| Dermatology | Epilepsy | Surgery paediatric |
| Developmental | Immunisation | Allergy - asthma |
| Gastroenterology | Immunotherapy | Urology |
| Physiotherapy (under 5s) | General paediatrics | |
| UTI | Neonatal intensive care | |
| Transition from paediatric to adult services | ||
| Maxillo-facial dental | Urgent - patients seen within 7 days | |
| Nurse led clinics including | ||
| Phlebotomy | Dermatology | Allergy nurse |
| Allergy skin prick | ECGs | Epi-pen training |
Blood test and ECG
Should you require a Phlebotomy or ECG service a booked appointment system is in place on the following days:
Monday 14.10 – 16.30
Tuesday 14.10 – 16.30
Thursday 14.10 – 16.30
Friday AM 09.00 – 09.50 (fasting blood test) 10.00 – 10.50 (non-fasting blood test)
Friday PM 14.30 – 16.00
Under 12s – can be booked in at Starlight Outpatient’s and 12 years and Over should go up to adult Phlebotomy in Picton Suite before 4pm. Children over 12 with learning difficulties can be book into starlight.
Please provide parents with Blood Form.
ECG service - (Up to 15yrs. 16years old go to adult ECG)
Wednesdays 15.00 – 16.00
Thursdays 15.00 – 16.00
Fridays 15.00 – 16.00
Please provide parents with ECG form or Letter stating the reason.
We would be grateful if you could ask families to ring Children’s Outpatient Department on 020 8510 5018 or 7425 to arrange an appointment between 12pm and 2pm.
Please attend at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. We try hard to minimise delays in clinic, but you should allow up to two hours for your child's appointment. Inevitably, there will be times when delays may occur.
When you come to reception we will ask you to check that we have your up-to-date address and telephone number(s). We will also ask you to tell us about your child's school and ethnic identity.
Please bring your child's medication and red book with you.
If you change your address, telephone number or GP, please call reception immediately so that we have your new details.
We have a range of advocates that speak a variety of languages. Please telephone reception and let us know in advance if you require a translator.
Advocacy (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) tel: 020 8510 7179
Turkish line (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) tel: 020 8510 7583
You may wish to bring an English-speaking member of your family when you attend hospital.