A MOTHER has spoken of her disappointment at the impending closure of a children’s ward.

Kathleen Howard’s son Dalton was due to recuperate in Royal Blackburn's Hospital’s paediatric day care unit after having teeth taken out at the start of next month.

But when his appointment clashed with a prior engage-ment, staff told Mrs Howard it could prove difficult to provide an alternative date due to the unit’s closure.

The unit, which includes 16 beds, consultation rooms, a reception area and play room, will be emptied ready for a new surgical triage unit.

Bosses hope the changes will bring an end to queues of ambulances waiting outside the emergency department.

Mrs Howard, of Garden Street, Great Harwood, said: “Dalton has been in the unit on three occasions after operations at the hospital, the last a three-hour operation to remove a cyst.

“Being in a hospital is very daunting for a parent, let alone a child who has had to go through that sort of procedure.

“The day unit staff have always put us at ease. My son has had bad experiences in hospital in the past but the nurses on the unit always make him feel better.”

She added: “Each time we have been to the unit it is full with children so there is clearly a need for it.

“When I tried to rearrange the teeth appointment I was told to get in quick because they would not be able to see him after March 13 because the unit was closing.” Patients will now have to travel to Burnley for most children’s outpatient proce-dures.

Five beds from the unit will be retained in Blackburn, moved into the in-patient ward, for children with long-term conditions who require regular appointments.

Ruth Gildert, divisional general manager for family care at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I can assure families that exactly the same treatment will be offered to the same high standard irrespective of the hospital site.

“The same high quality medical and nursing staff will care for the children, using the same equipment – the only change is the location.