THE Royal Bolton Hospital's specialist children's casualty department came one step closer yesterday.

The first sod of the £1.2 million department was cut by Lauren Coulson.

The four-year-old daughter of community paediatric nurse, Shelley Coulson, was joined by Bolton South-east MP Dr Brian Iddon.

The new department, funded by the Strategic Health Authority, aims to separate youngsters from the adults admitted to the accident and emergency (A&E) department, who can sometimes be drunk or aggressive.

The unit - which will be a single storey extension to the side of the existing A&E department - will have six treatment rooms, four assessment and observation beds, a resuscitation area and a waiting and play area.

Dr Peter Powell, associate medical director for women's and children's health at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "We're aware that children might have to witness inappropriate things when they visit the main accident and emergency department.

"The new unit will offer a much better environment."

Staff from the paediatric and casualty departments will be working together.

Dr Iddon said: "I was delighted to be asked to cut the first sod for the new unit.

"Being treated or admitted to hospital is a traumatic experience for children and young people and it's essential they are able to be cared for in an area separate from adults."