Discover the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department in pictures
An atraumatic approach, child-friendly spaces, caring professionals and the comforting presence of parents.
At the HUDERF Paediatric Emergency Department, medical expertise and humanity go hand in hand to provide every child with high-quality care in a calm and reassuring environment.
The only emergency department in Brussels exclusively dedicated to children
An atraumatic approach
At the HUDERF Paediatric Emergency Department, priority is given to what is known as an atraumatic approach — providing care while minimising fear and pain as much as possible.
The spaces have been designed on a child’s scale: colourful walls, a soothing aquarium, soap bubbles, toys and playful distractions accompany medical care. The goal is to turn what is often a stressful moment into a calmer, more reassuring experience.
“Everything is done to make care as pleasant as possible for the child, while actively involving the parent.”
— Prof. Inge Roggen, Head of the Paediatric Emergency Department at HUDERF
Parents as partners in care
At HUDERF, parents are far more than visitors — they are essential partners in their child’s care journey.
Recent studies support this approach. A Frontiers in Pediatrics (2025) publication showed that parental presence significantly reduces a child’s pain and anxiety during invasive procedures. Likewise, a 2023 Spanish study found that 90% of families and 76% of healthcare professionals considered this presence beneficial — both for the child and for the quality of care.
“Here, every smile counts as much as every medical act. A parent’s presence can sometimes be the best medicine.”
— Nele Ostyn, Head Nurse, Paediatric Emergency Department
The teams therefore encourage parents to stay close to their child, to comfort them and to take an active role in helping them feel calm and secure.
Medical expertise and humanity, every day
Behind the calm and reassuring atmosphere of HUDERF’s Paediatric Emergency Department lies a high level of medical excellence, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency physicians, nurses, psychologists and healthcare assistants work hand in hand to care for every child — from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies — with the same commitment to quality, efficiency and compassion.
“At HUDERF, medical expertise and humanity do not stand in opposition — they complement each other.”
— Prof. Inge Roggen
Studies
Parental presence during invasive pediatric procedures: what does it depend on? - National Library of Medicine
Invasive procedures and atraumatic care in pediatric nursing practice: nurses’ perceptions - National Library of Medicine
Service des urgences pédiatriques de l'Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola