The Children’s Unit at the Victoria Hospital
The Children’s Unit is located on the ground floor of Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. Our facilities include a 25‑bed inpatient ward, a High Dependency Unit, and a Short‑Stay Paediatric Assessment Area. Next to the unit, you’ll also find our Ambulatory Care Unit and outpatient clinic area.
Our team is made up of paediatricians, registrars and junior doctors, working closely with our nurse practitioners. They are supported by our senior charge nurse, staff nurses, healthcare support workers, and dedicated play specialists who help make children’s hospital stays as positive and comfortable as possible.
How to find us
The Children’s Unit is located on Hayfield Road in Kirkcaldy (KY2 5AH). Parking is free, but spaces can be limited during busy periods. Please only use disabled bays if you have a valid Blue Badge. An overflow car park is available on Willow Drive, opposite the ambulance station. Full parking information and directions to Victoria Hospital can be found at nhsfife.org/victoria-hospital.
Arriving out-of-hours
Please note that the main hospital entrance is closed between 10pm and 6:30am. During these times, visitors can access the building by buzzing the entry system at Admissions Unit 1, or by calling the number displayed on the main doors outside the Children’s Unit. A member of staff will meet you and ask for your name and the name of the person you are visiting.
At busy times, you may be asked to wait in the waiting room. Please buzz only once, as staff may be helping other patients and may not be able to respond immediately. When you leave, a staff member will swipe you out.
Explore the unit
You can get to know the Children’s Unit by viewing our virtual tour.
Improving care for children and young people in Fife
We understand that it can be stressful when your child is unwell or needs to come to hospital. Our team has created the resources on this website to help you find clear, reliable information about your child’s visit.
Whether your child is coming for an appointment, has been referred by your GP or health visitor, or is being admitted to hospital, we aim to give you and your family all the information and support you need. We know that hospital visits can be worrying, and we are here to make the experience as reassuring and comfortable as possible.
It’s also important that children and young people understand why they are coming to hospital. Clear explanations can help reduce anxiety. We encourage parents and carers to talk with their child about why they are attending or staying, what tests or procedures might happen, and who they may meet. If you would like help explaining anything, our staff are always happy to support you.
Staying with your child
For outpatient appointments, please refer to your appointment letter for full details. If you are unable to attend, contact the Appointments Office on 01592 643355. We want you to feel fully involved in your child’s care, so you may find it helpful to think about any questions you’d like to ask before your appointment. Further advice is available at nhsfife.org/appointments.
To help you make the most of your time with the doctor, we recommend bringing only the child who has the appointment. If you need to bring other children, please bring an additional adult to supervise them.
During a hospital stay, we encourage parents or carers to remain with their child as much as possible. Parents and carers can stay overnight at the bedside using a recliner chair or a fold‑out bed.
Helping your child cope
Coming to hospital can feel worrying for children and young people, but being prepared can make a big difference. Our play specialists have shared some helpful tips to support your child:
- Use simple, clear language to explain what will happen.
- Be honest. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say so our staff are here to help.
- Arrange a pre‑visit to the ward if possible. Call the number on your admission letter and ask to speak with the play specialist.
- Let your child help pack their bag. Include a favourite toy, comfort item, or video to help them feel more at ease.
- Keep routines as normal as you can before and during the hospital stay.
- Offer physical comfort. Holding hands, cuddles, or a reassuring touch can help before and after procedures.
- Encourage questions and talk openly about feelings it's normal for children to feel nervous or scared.
- Use toys or play to help your child express their feelings. For example, asking how their teddy feels about visiting the hospital can open up helpful conversations.
Visiting
We do not have set visiting times for parents or carers. We encourage you to stay and be involved in your child’s care. Other visitors are welcome, but we limit this to two at a time. Please be mindful of other children who may need a calm environment. Our playroom and outdoor area can be used by siblings and visitors.
There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the department (NHS Fife Patient WiFi). If you would like to spend some time outdoors, the Beveridge Park, Ravenscraig Park, and Kirkcaldy promenade are all a short drive from the hospital.
Bed allocation
Our ward has single rooms and shared bays. Rooms are allocated based on infection control and immunisation status. Children with the same illness may share a bay. During busy times, patients may need to move rooms at short notice.
Transfer to specialist care
Sometimes children need specialist care at another hospital. The clinical team may recommend a transfer. Your child may be well enough to travel by car for further assessment. However, if your child is clinically unwell, then they may require ambulance transfer or specialist transfer through the ScotSTAR team. The team will assess and stabilise your child before travelling. They will explain everything to you before leaving.
Space in the ambulance, plane, or helicopter is limited, so you may not be able to travel with your child. Staff will do their best to help. If you cannot travel with the team, hospital staff will arrange transport for you. Please do not try to follow the ambulance.
Contact details
Paediatric intensive care unit in Edinburgh: 0131 312 0919
Paediatric intensive care unit in Glasgow: 0141 452 4710
High dependency unit
Children who need more intensive care will be cared for in a high dependency unit. Parents are welcome, but camp beds cannot be used overnight. We can offer you a chair or an alternative room to rest. When your child is ready, they will move to the main ward.
Speciality care
Your child may require assessment by a speciality team, such as orthopaedics, ENT, surgery, maxillofacial, urology, or gynaecology. These teams are not located within the Children’s Ward. However, all paediatric care is facilitated directly in the Children’s Ward. Please see our More Information section if your child is attending the department for an operation.
Facilities
Parents can use the parents’ room, which has a microwave, fridge and kettle. Label all food and drink with your name and date. Unlabelled items will be thrown away. Tea, coffee, soups and biscuits are available. Cups with lids are provided for hot drinks in the ward.
Shops and food outlets:
- Costa Coffee: Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm
- WHSmith: Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
- Grab and Go: Monday to Friday 7.45am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 8:30am to 2pm
- Staff dining room: Monday to Friday 8am to 2pm (closed weekends)
Family fund
Parents, primary carers or siblings under 18 can claim travel and food costs. Ask your nurse for details.
Meet the team
Ward routine
Nurses work daytime shifts from 7am to 7:30pm and night shifts from 7pm to 7:30am. They will introduce themselves and write their name on your child’s board. The day starts with the medicine and breakfast rounds. Please tell us if your child has allergies or dietary needs.
Ward rounds start at 9:30am. The medical team will review your child and discuss treatment. We encourage parents to be present. Delays can happen during busy times or emergencies.
Meals:
- Breakfast: during morning round
- Lunch: 11:45am
- Dinner: 4:45pm
- Supper trolley: 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Water is available from silver sinks. Do not drink from taps in rooms.
Who you might meet
You will meet doctors, nurses and other staff. Doctors include consultants and trainees. Nurses wear different uniforms. Pharmacists prepare medicines. Surgeons do operations. Anaesthetists look after you during surgery. Play specialists help explain tests and have toys and games. Therapists include dietitians, physiotherapists, speech and language specialists and occupational therapists. Porters help move you around the hospital. You will also see cleaners, catering staff, receptionists and volunteers.
Information for young people
Coming to hospital can feel strange. It may look different from home and be noisy at times. You might have an appointment or need to stay overnight. We will make sure you feel safe and cared for.
Your bed will have curtains for privacy, a TV, light and call button. Your parents or carers can stay with you.
You might want to bring:
- Nightwear and slippers or flip-flops
- A change of clothes
- Books or magazines
- Washbag with toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush or comb
- Blanket or favourite cushion
- Water bottle, drinks or snacks
- Mobile or tablet with charger
Things to do
If you feel well, you can visit the play area or go outside. If you need to stay in bed, play therapists can visit you. Each ward has games and art activities.
Tests, scans and x-rays
Before any treatment, staff need consent. Parents make decisions based on what is best for their child. Involve children as much as possible. People aged 16 or over can consent for themselves. Children under 16 can consent if they understand what is involved (Gillick competence).
Advice for parents
Talk to your child before leaving for hospital. Explain what to expect. Stay with your child as much as possible. Keep routines where you can. Bring a favourite toy or comforter. Look after yourself too. Take breaks and talk to family or friends.
General tips
- Tell staff if you leave the ward
- Listen carefully to information about treatment and medication
- Ask if you do not understand something
- Tell the doctor about any allergies or medicines your child takes
- Bring any medication with you
- Treat staff and other families with respect
We hope you and your child have a positive experience. If you have questions, speak to a member of the team or call 01592 729040.
Milk feeds and sterilising bottles
We follow UNICEF Baby Friendly guidance. We have a small supply of ready-made formula. You can bring your own powder and bottles. We provide a steriliser and change the solution daily. Staff cannot heat bottles in microwaves or boiling water. Please use the NHS Fife bottle warmer.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
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