Emergency paediatric services at the University Hospital Sharjah (UHS) will be available round the clock. In the past 15 months alone, the emergency department has treated over 27,000 children.

The pediatric emergency services department, which formerly operated until midnight, has extended its hours after multiple requests from the public.

Specialist emergency doctors would now treat respiratory cases, digestive problems and any other disorders afflicting children 24 hours a day.

The UHS is one of the few hospitals in the UAE that offers a dedicated paediatric emergency room (ER) with a full-timePediatricianon duty, 24-hours a day.

Prof Hakam Yaseen, medical director and head of thepediatric and neonatal department at UHS, said: "Children are extremely sensitive to trauma and infections and their condition can easily deteriorate if not treated immediately."

In preparation for the extended hours, the hospital has hired two additional, board-certified paediatricians as well as nurses and support staff.

It is important for doctors at the paediatric emergency unit, who handle any acute illness or trauma, to be constantly available for inf-ants less than four weeks old to children as old as 14.

Prof Hakam said: In the UAE, common reasons for children to be brought to a hospital emergency room include traumatic injuries, poisoning, respiratory and digestive disorders and endocrine problems such complication of Type 1 Diabetes. Most of the paediatric emergencies at UHS are due to upper respiratory tract infections, difficulty in breathing, high fever, painful ears and throat, vomiting, skin rashes, and bacterial skin disorders.

Infants can suffer from a nappy rash due to a lack of hygiene in that area and it can lead to an overgrowth of yeast, appearing as bright red patches and bumps. Minor traumas such as an injured finger or twisted ankle are also common, said Dr Mohamed Dawdi, ER senior specialist and head of the department.

"Many children brought into the ER with breathing difficulties suffer from viral bronchitis, or spasms in their air passages, which is often indicated by a wheezing sound. Sometimes the child has to be put on oxygen and given medication to dilate the air passage. The 24-hour presence of a paediatrician, who can give early diagnosis, is very important."

Dr Dawdi further advised parents to bring a child to the ER if he or she is feeling drowsy, not eating or drinking, vomiting repeatedly and if a high fever does not come down with cold sponging or by taking regular children's medication.

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