How will my child be cared for, if they need to go into hospital?
If your child needs to go into hospital, they will be admitted to a separate children's ward where they are looked after by specially trained nurses, doctors and support staff in bright and friendly surroundings. Your child's care will be coordinated by a 'named nurse' who will try to ensure that you have all the information about your child's treatment and progress that you need. You will be encouraged to stay with your child and take an active part in his or her care and if you wish, to sleep overnight with them. If you are breastfeeding then you will be particularly encouraged to continue with this and if your child is having an operation, you may be able to go with them to the anaesthetic room and stay until they are asleep. Each of the hospitals also has 'Play Specialists', who help to make hospital life as normal as possible, by encouraging children to play as they would at home. They also have specific toys and games, designed to help children understand the treatments they are being given. Finally they have an important role in distracting children from some of the more unpleasant procedures that may be carried out, for example blood taking. Older children, who are staying in hospital for long periods, may be disappointed to learn that the hospitals also have school teachers to help them with their studies.
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