We investigate all unexplained injuries in children following the same process. This page is designed to help you understand the process and what to expect during your child’s admission to the Paediatric ward.
When might we be concerned about an injury?
- There is no clear or logical explanation for the injury.
- A child tells us something which is concerning.
- Some of the test results increase our concerns.
- There are other parts of the picture that add to our worry; such as a child’s behaviour.
Who will be involved?
Identifying the cause of an injury is important. This involves piecing together information from many sources so the whole picture is considered. This will involve a collaborative discussion with the Local Authority where your child lives and in some instances with the police. A social worker from the Local Authority may come to talk with you while you are on the ward. This often helps us understand more about the circumstances of an injury.
You will be seen by different people. A Paediatric Consultant and a team of junior doctors will review your child at the earliest opportunity and discuss what will happen next. Specific tests are carried out on an individual case basis, and these are explained below.
We have private spaces on the ward for discussions between you and other professionals. We will always try our best to share any concerns we may have with you. At times, however, we may need to liaise with the Local Authority without your consent especially if we are worried about your child. We have a Legal Duty to share this information and a Local Authority has a Legal Duty to follow up any concerns, in order to safeguard children at risk of harm.
We aim to keep you fully informed about all decisions made about your child but if you have questions that we have not answered about what is going on, please ask to speak to either one of doctors or the senior nurse on duty.
Tests may include
- Blood tests to exclude problems with blood clotting (leading to bruising) or vitamin deficiencies (leading to weak or brittle bones)
- X-ray images of their bones to look for injuries. This is called a Skeletal Survey (for more information on this please ask a member of staff)
- A CT scan of their head and sometimes an MRI scan to check their brain.
- An eye doctor (Ophthalmologist) may come to examine their eyes to look for injuries there.
Whilst you child is on the ward
Your child will be admitted to our paediatric ward. Your child will have a named nurse during the day and at night. Any child admitted to the ward has observations at least every 4 hours (and sometimes more) to monitor their heart rate, breathing and temperature.
Whilst investigations are ongoing we kindly ask that you remain on the ward with your child. The decision for safe discharge will be made collaboratively between the Paediatrician and other teams involved.
Contact details
Switchboard: 0203 456 7890
Address: University College Hospital, Ground Floor, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU
Website: www.
Where can I get more information?
We will keep you fully informed about all decisions made about your child but if you have questions that we have not answered, your child’s doctor or nurse will be happy to answer any further questions you have while you are on the ward.
UCLH cannot accept responsibility for information provided by external organisations.
Page last updated: 06 October 2025
Review due: 01 October 2027