The new Sick Kids hospital is lovely and the doctors were amazing as always with my wee one – Hayley Matthews

Last week we went over to visit a friend in her garden. She has two dogs who my two-year-old thinks are Marshall and Zuma from Paw Patrol so he was quite excited to go round.

Hayley Matthews is a fan of the interior of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (Picture: Chris Watt Photography/PA)

The boys couldn't wait to have a play in the big garden, look at the fish and play with the dogs so there was lots of running around – then, all of a sudden, crack! The wee one goes flying into the wooden bench swing, nose first.

The thud was loud and I instantly knew it was going to be a sore one. A mummy cuddle, ice cubes and lots of kisses helped but I could see the bruising coming up quickly. Not wanting to jump to the doctors for every bump and cut, I gave it a day or two to settle as per the internet’s advice and previous medical guidance.

But, with a bit of bruising still there five days in, we took a trip out to the new Sick Kids.

The kids’ A&E is right next to the adults’ A&E and, as we walked into reception to give our details, the woman asked if my sister worked there. She said I had a double at the hospital which is hilarious because people have always said I look like Dr Callie Torres (aka Sarah Ramirez) from Grey’s Anatomy – must be the Spanish blood in me, or the red wine...

Anyway, I couldn't help but get excited at the shiny, huge, new waiting area. Any parent who sat in the old waiting area will know why I'm excited. The place is massive! What a lovely fresh, bright, friendly space for the kids and it really does make a difference not being crammed up as you wait.

No stressing about getting a seat whilst you sit with your wee one. Lots to play with and keep their minds off their bumps and bruises while they wait to see a doctor. We took along two small ambulances to show them the new hospital too and I think even they were impressed.

The lovely doctor sat us down to have a look up the wee one’s nose and inspect the damage with a light. She said if it still still doesn't look right seven days after it happened, then to go back as only then will we be able to see if it's squint and if we need an X-ray.

She was brilliant with my son, as all doctors in the Sick Kids always are. They deserve so much more thanks and gratitude than we give them.

On our way out, we got a sticker and a leaflet about nose injuries and went to find the exit.

A lovely outpatient nurse had a wee chat with my son and said she'd show us the way as even they're still getting used to all the walkways and new layout. She told us how the building runs in to the main Royal Infirmary hospital which I'm sure must be so handy for staff. I love the look of the new Sick Kids and the general feel of the building is very fresh, light and calming.

To all the nurses and doctors working there, I hope you're enjoying your new home, we certainly had a smooth visit! Thank you!

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