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We all fear the unknown, so coming to hospital can be scary for anyone, no matter
how old or young you are. But it’s a particularly anxious time for children.
It takes them away from their normal surroundings, including home, family, school,
and friends, and may involve treatment that’s painful and hard to understand.
It is also, of course, a frightening and stressful experience for parents. As well as coping with the child’s illness, there’s the prospect of travelling far from home for treatment, and families can be apart for days, weeks or even months. Every year, more than one and a half million children are admitted to hospital – and it’s only recently that we have come to understand the emotional impact this experience has on parent and child.
Twenty years ago, people knew little about how a hospital stay could affect a child’s wellbeing. Children were often alone as strict visiting hours kept parents off the wards. They would react strongly at first and then appear to settle down when, in fact, they were withdrawing emotionally, unable to cope in such a stressful situation.
Today we are more aware of how hospitals can terrify a child. Staying in a strange place, surrounded by new people, and adjusting to new smells, sounds, routines and unfamiliar food can all be upsetting. A child may suffer nightmares, cry a lot, throw tantrums, refuse to eat, become withdrawn (refusing to have anything to do with adults), or return to sucking their thumb or bedwetting. Hospitals organise play schemes, decorate wards and surround children with toys to help them relax. But, although this will help a child, it is widely accepted that sick children make a faster and more complete recovery when they have the support and comfort of their families.
There is a 50% chance that a child will be hospitalised during their childhood. So, it is rather alarming that as few as 22% of parents in the UK have made plans for their
child’s admission to hospital. It is vital for you to be well prepared, as how you deal with it is key to how your child will cope. Staying calm will reassure them, so work through their fears by getting the child to act out scenarios with toys and reading to them. A visit to the ward beforehand is a must as it gives the child an opportunity to meet the medical team and familiarise themselves with the surroundings.
The most important thing to remember is that you are not left to cope alone in this
situation. Most NHS hospitals offer advice on their website; visit www.nhs.uk to find out more. And, in all instances, you are encouraged to contact the hospital direct in advance for advice. Then, when your child is in hospital, never be afraid to ask questions. Most frustration occurs when you don’t feel you are being listened to or that enough is being done. It’s also important for you to involve siblings, so talk to them about what’s happening and encourage them to write a card or make a little present. And, finally, it is important to keep a close eye on your child when they return home. A lot of children may still have nightmares and be a little naughtier than usual – but this is a natural reaction and with love and attention these things will ebb away.
Recommended titles:
1 When I Went To Hospital by Juliet Bawden
2 Going Into Hospital by Anne Civardi
3 Paddington Goes Into Hospital by Michael Bond
Nurses: Often nurses work in teams looking after a group of children, and one of the team will be allocated to your child as your named nurse. If you have any questions about your child, speak to them first.
Doctors: Like nurses, doctors work in teams too. The Consultant is the most senior, and they have a Registrar or Senior House Officer working with them. Usually, the
Consultant will meet you and your child and talk to you both about your child’s
condition and treatment. Doctors who work in paediatrics are specially trained to
deal with children, so they understand how anxious children can get, and know how to make them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible when they are being examined.
Play Specialists: These are specially trained staff who organize play in hospital and help prepare children for their treatment.
Telephone 0844 840 0844 | Charity Reg. No. 802047 | © RMHC 2008
