Our paediatric EDs are a changed place. We are ready and prepared for COVID with new policies, PPE, & zones. And while we wait, our thoughts are with all of our other patients. Where are you all now? Are you well? Are you safe?

1/7

To the newborn. Your parents are worried that you aren’t feeding well & that you seem unsettled. We examine you, admire your newborn loveliness, & reassure them that they are doing a wonderful job. Are they at home worrying now? Are they getting any sleep? Are they coping?

2/7

To the 3 year old with a fracture. Your parents bring you to ED a few days later and we wonder why it took so long to come. We are there to ask the difficult and challenging questions and make sure you are protected and cared for. Are you safe now?

3/7

To the 6yo with abdo pain. Your parents come at 3am as you are screaming in pain. They are worried something is seriously wrong. We feel your tummy & offer some analgesia & reassurance. You sleep soundly till the morning & look like a new person. What’s happening at home now? 4/7

To the 10yo with months of leg/arm pain. You’ve been missing school because of the pain & your parents bring you to ED to get some answers. Now there is no school for you to miss, what is happening? Are you lying in bed all day? How will you cope when isolation is over?

5/7

To the 15 year old whose mum brings you in because she is struggling to manage your challenging behaviour. We connect you to support and give you a plan to manage this at home. How are you all managing now? Is your mum coping? Are you?

6/7

Maybe we took you for granted? We know that trauma/ resus is a key & exciting part of our job, but we now know more than ever how important you are. Our relationship with you is our core. We think of you each day. We are here for you when the world & you are ready.

7/7