Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Recommendations of Hospitals, children

Every child will react differently to staying in hospital, but generally the experience will at first be quite frightening.  Your child will have to cope with a new and strange environment with new sights, smells, noises and people.  They will also have to cope with their condition, which may involve being examined and undergoing treatment.

Hospital staff have found that children often respond better to their stay in hospital if their parents stay with them for as long as possible.  It is beneficial to reassure your child that you will be staying by their side, and promote the idea that the hospital is a safe place to be.  If you are able to stay with your child overnight, the hospital may arrange for an extra bed or mattress to be brought into the ward.

It is not always possible to stay with your child at all times, you may have other children to look after, or your child’s stay may be extended.  If you have to leave the hospital, tell you child how long you will be gone for and make sure that you are back on time.

If your child is referred, you will probably have time to prepare them for their stay in hospital.  The experience is likely to be less frightening if your child has some idea of what to expect.  There are many good children’s book available about going into hospital and some hospitals are even able to arrange visiting days for your child’s school or pre-school class, when they will be allowed to look around the wards and speak to hospital staff.

You will need to pack a bag for your child, even if they are only in hospital for the day.  Remember to include:

• comfortable, cool clothing (and nightwear if they are staying overnight),
• dressing gown and slippers,
• wash bag (face cloth/sponge, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste), hairbrush, shampoo,
• a few special toys and books,
• school work,
• your child’s medication,
• any special food
• baby milk, nappies and baby wipes if needed,
• your contact details and your GP’s contact details,
• any Social Security benefit books, and,
• your appointment card or letter.

• HaemophiliaHaemorrhoidsHair lossHand, foot and mouth diseaseHangoverHay feverHead injuryHead liceHeadacheHealth and safety at workHealth recordsHearing and vision tests for childrenHearing impairmentHearing testsHeart attackHeart blockHeart failureHeart lung transplantHeartburnHeatstrokeHepatitisHepatitis AHepatitis BHepatitis CHernia, hiatusHernia, inguinalHiccupHip replacementHIV and AIDSHome testsHomeopathyHormone replacement therapyHospitals, admissionHospitals, childrenHospitals, dischargeHughes syndromeHuntington's diseaseHydrocephalusHydronephrosisHyperglycaemiaHyperlipidaemia and lipid-lowering medicinesHypoglycaemiaHypothermiaHysterectomy

  ---