THE borough's children’s outpatient department has moved from the Royal Bolton Hospital to Bolton One.

Nearly 10,000 children have been treated in the old clinic this year alone.

The move means staff will be working in a 21st century purpose built facility in the town centre — rather than the Victorian building which has been the children's outpatients' home for decades.

The department closed its doors for the last time on Friday September 25.

A Bolton NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: "The old building had become tired and the need for new services now means that it can no longer provide the environment that is required."

A wide variety of services will continue to be provided in the department at Bolton One, including both general and specialist paediatrics.

The specialist paediatric clinics are comprised of a specialist diabetes service, genetics, neurology clinics, respiratory clinics, renal and urology, food allergy clinics, eating disorders, bowel management, eczema and skin conditions.

The department provides a nurse led blood clinic which allows children to have blood tests with the least possible upset, using local anaesthetic cream and having a play specialist present to distract young children. This is also offered to young children who require an injection.

Margaret Osborne, Operational Business Manager for Families Division at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Although staff will be sad to leave the old department, they are looking forward to the move and being able to provide the same excellent service in a brand new clinic environment.”

The new clinic is based on the second floor of Bolton One.

Parents should go straight to reception on the second floor to book their child in for an appointment.

The spokesman added: "Bolton One is a fantastic building with a gym and swimming pool on the ground floor — the team are even hoping to use the facilities if they have any energy left after work.

"The town centre site means that it is easy for parents to access the clinic from everywhere in Bolton.

"There is a car park nearby and convenient bus routes to the building which is on Moore Lane, close to the university, shops and cafes."