Preparing your child for
hospitalStaying with your child in hospital Outpatients - visiting the Children's Clinic

On our children’s wards we have a bed next to each child's bed, in which one adult family member can stay.

C2 - Children's oncology and haematology

C3 - Children’s surgical and medicine for children up to their 3rd birthday

D2 - Children's surgical and medicine

In the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) we do not have space for a parent bed next to the child. Instead, parents (or other close adult family member) can ask to stay in a different room on the hospital site and we will make every effort to accommodate them. Please speak to a member of staff.

 

 

Acorn House

 

Acorn House opened in 2000and supports families with sick children receiving treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The house was extended in 2006 and now play a vital role in the lives of approximately 750 families with seriously ill children every year.

> Acorn House - The Sick Children's Trust

It is fine for you child to stay alone if you are unable to stay, but please make sure we have your contact details.

 

 

Take a break

 

It is important that you have a break and look after yourself and/or other family members. Please tell a member of staff if you are leaving the ward. A member of the play team may be available to look after your child.

Our Child and Family Support Team, and chaplains are available to provide additional
emotional and psychological support, as needed.

 

 

Parents’ room

Each ward and PICU have a parents’ room, where you can have a rest and make snacks or drinks (fridge, freezer, kettle and microwave are available. Please label any food). There is a selection of food outlets and other facilities in the main hospital concourse.

> Facilities

 

Hot drinks are not allowed on the wards for safety reasons. There is a pay
phone in the parents’ room (mobile phones must not be used on the wards).

 

What can I do to stop my child getting an infection in hospital?

 

We need your help to keep Addenbrooke's clean, and to reduce the risk of hospital
acquired infection:

• Please let us know if your child has an infection, or has been in contact with an infectious disease.
  
  
• Please keep your child’s bed space tidy to make cleaning easier.
  
  
• Please always wash hands on entering and leaving the ward.
  

> Infection control

 

 

Visitors

 

Anyone may visit at anytime, but please understand that there is limited space on the wards, and that other patients need to rest.

 

More information

 

We appreciate that this can be a difficult time for any child, family member or parent. If you have any concerns or need more information please do not hesitate to contact the Ward or Department your child is to be admitted to.

 

We welcome any thoughts and comments on the treatment and care received during your child’s stay with us.

> Have you say

 

Please raise any concerns with your nurse or the Ward Sister.

 

The Patient Advisory and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on site if you would like to make any comments, positive or negative, about your stay.

> Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

 

 

 

 

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