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Forest Lodge is a respite care facility for children with a learning disability. It offers short breaks for children who live within the Eastern Board area.
For more Information click on one of the links below:
Visitors and holiday arrangements
About Forest Lodge
Children are referred by their social worker, paediatrician, general practitioner or community nurse and will be assessed individually by the consultant and manager as to the suitability of the unit for their needs. All children have a learning disability, and perhaps an associated physical disability.
Children’s care is led by a professional team of qualified staff, including a consultant paediatrician, children’s, learning disability and general nurses, supported by nursery nurses and healthcare assistants. Each child’s respite is allocated on a 6 monthly basis.
A range of activities is planned for the children including weekly music therapy from the Northern Ireland Music Therapy Trust, aromatherapy massage led by a qualified member of staff and weekly bus outings.
Forest Lodge has a bedroom wing with nine bedrooms, a den and recently refurbished bath and shower rooms. The day area includes a large playroom, separate waterplay area, softplay area, sensory room and dining room. Outside a fenced garden allows outdoor play and meals when the weather permits.
Forest Lodge is a ground floor facility in the grounds of Belvoir Park Hospital, approximately one mile from Shaw’s Bridge.
Car parking
Limited car parking is available in front of Forest Lodge. There are also two clearly marked spaces for ‘waiting’.
All your child’s clothes should be clearly marked with the child’s forename and surname. If your child continues to attend school whilst in Forest Lodge, school uniform will be required. Some schools provide transport to and from Forest Lodge. Please ask the nurse in charge for more information.
Jewellery and valuables
If your child usually wears jewellery, such as earrings or bracelets, it is recommended that these be retained at home for safe-keeping, along with any valuables.
Please bring any medication changes signed by a doctor before each admission.
Please inform staff if your child has been in contact with any child with an infectious condition e.g. measles, mumps, whooping cough, before admission. If your child is ill please ring staff for advice about suitability for admission.
Our comprehensive child profile ensures that we are aware of your child’s specific likes and dislikes and any special needs. Please let us know about any changes in care before each visit.
Children should arrive at the unit around 2.00 pm and no later than 6.00 pm, except in an emergency.
You should collect your child from Forest Lodge before 11.00 am. If you are not collecting your child personally, please inform the staff identifying and describing the person who will undertake this on your behalf.
Visitors and holiday arrangements
You are welcome to visit at any time, however it is advisable not to visit after 8.00 pm as some children may have settled for the night.
If you want a relative or friend to take your child out for short trips or visits during this period, please arrange this with the staff, again identifying and describing your relative or friend.
Please leave a contact telephone number of a relative or friend if you are holidaying out of the country.
Telephone (028) 9069 9404 between 9.00am - 4.00pm, and 9.00pm - 11.00pm
The aim of Forest Lodge is that, through close communication and partnership with families, detailed care planning and liaison with their community team, children are offered a safe and enjoyable break, tailored to their individual needs and preferences.
Hospital staff are always pleased to have any appreciative comments, which will be passed on to the staff concerned. We welcome any suggestions you may have for improving services.
If you are unhappy about any aspect of the care your child receives whilst in Forest Lodge, you may like to discuss the matter with the Ward Manager. It is best to do so at the time, so that explanations or further information can be given and prompt action taken. If the matter concerns the child’s medical treatment, the Ward Manager will arrange for you to see the consultant or a senior member of the medical staff.
The Ward Manager, Mrs Heather Russell, can be contacted any Monday-Friday mornings on (028) 9069 9404 to discuss applications and referrals.
You may also use the Trust's Complaints Procedure. A leaflet called " Compliments, Complaints and Suggestions" is available from ward staff, or you may contact the Trust Complaints Officer on 028 9032 7156