RMHC accomodation

How can I prepare my five year-old daughter for going into hospital?

There are a number of things you can do to help your child adjust to a stay in hospital

BEFORE ADMISSION:
If you get the chance to prepare your child before going to the hospital, get some children’s books on the subject such as Paddington Goes Into Hospital.

Find out whether it’s possible for the child to visit a hospital. Children often feel safer and more in control if they have been to a place before.

If your child has a toy, book or an item of clothing they really love, make sure they have that in hospital with them.

IN HOSPITAL:
Spend as much time as you want with your child in hospital. Nowadays it is possible to stay with your child 24 hours a day. Ask staff to show your child some of the instruments. This will make them familiar objects instead of just scary ones, and your child will feel a little more in control.

Play with your child at the hospital will help them cope with all the strange and unpleasant things going on. For an older child, renting a DVD or bringing in some computer games might be a good idea because it will give your child something to do.

What should I take with me if my child is admitted to hospital?

ADMISSION LETTER Details such as where to go when you arrive and the date of your child’s admission.

INFORMATION Your child’s health record or clinic book, your contact details and your GP’s details.

MEDICINES If your child is taking any medicines or tablets bring these with you (in their original containers, if at all possible).

CLOTHES Bring your child’s pyjamas, lightweight day clothes, underwear and shoes. Remember, hospitals are often hot places so be sure to pack lightweight clothes. If you intend to stay with them, you should bring your own belongings too, but do not bring electrical items.

TOILETRIES You will need to bring your child’s hairbrush, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, towel, flannel and paper tissues.

TOYS You may wish to bring your child’s special toy or comforter. Label it if possible.

BABY FOODS & FEEDING EQUIPMENT It is advisable to telephone the ward before admission to discuss any special feeding needs for your baby.

MONEY AND VALUABLES Depending on their age, your child may need change for phone calls, magazines, etc. Keep valuables to a minimum.

Can my older son visit his sister while she is in hospital?

All hospitals will allow siblings to visit, although postnatal wards and neonatal units can be stricter about allowing school-age children in because of the risk of infection in vulnerable babies. It’s very important to encourage siblings to visit, and if you stay at an RM House or Family Room they can sleep over so that the whole family can be together.

How is my child likely to react to a hospital stay?

Each child reacts differently to being in hospital, and their reaction depends, to a large extent, on how painful the stay is. A child may suffer  nightmares, cry a lot and throw tantrums, refuse to eat, or they may withdraw or return to earlier stages of their development – sucking their thumb or bedwetting, for example.

It is fear of the unknown that makes your child react like this, so always explain to him or her what is going on. It’s not a good idea to tell your child that something is not going to hurt if it is. If a child sucks their thumb or wets the bed, it is because they are scared, and this is perfectly natural. Stay close to your child at all times so they feel safe, and if you have to leave the hospital, tell your child when you will be back. Don’t be late!