A new, conveniently located pathology collections area, designed to enhance the privacy and comfort of patients, has opened at The Children's Hospital at Westmead (CHW).  

Among the first patients to use the new space was 11-year-old Sanav, who has been visiting the service since birth.  

“I like it, the privacy is nice and it’s also more spacious and quieter compared to the other one," said Sanav.  

“It’s cheerful and I think the colours help. It’s good for kids, especially when they are little, otherwise, it can be scary for them," added Sanav’s mother, Ridhima.  

The service has relocated to the front of the hospital on level 2 near the Hawkesbury Road drop-off zone, providing parents and carers with quick and easy access.  

The refurbishment includes a modern waiting area in the galleria, six single collection rooms and accessible bathrooms.

“We surveyed and spoke with many families and have incorporated their feedback, such as private rooms, sound dampening, access to distractions and entertainment screens,” said CHW Diagnostics Clinical Stream Director Angus McDowell.

"We wanted to ensure these spaces were welcoming for all types of families, so our rooms are big enough to fit parents, carers, siblings and prams."  

The interior colours, furniture and art are conducive to a more tranquil setting for staff and visitors, including a tree structure in the waiting area, wall graphics that feature animals and facts suitable for children of various ages and abilities.  

For the first time, the service also has a quiet entrance for patients with sensory needs and a separate entrance for immunocompromised patients.  

“All of these features will help welcome new and existing patients and will improve our service as families will be happier,” said Pathology Collections Manager Narinder Pal Singh.  

Pathology services all inpatient and outpatient departments and includes departments such as haematology, histopathology, infectious diseases and microbiology.  

Go here to read more about the hospital redevelopment project.