The Prince Charles Hospital Health Service District

• Queensland Centre for Congenital Heart Disease
• Home
• Services
• The Care Team
• Children's Ward
• Intensive Care Unit
• Heart Kids
  • Graham's Story
  • Jacob's Story
• Heart Facts
• Glossary
• Common Questions
• Brochures
• Support Groups
• Web Links

The Prince Charles Hospital Health Service District

How can I prepare my child for hospital?

Our aim is that hospitalisation be as positive an experience as possible for your child. The following are some general guidelines you may find helpful.

It is important to discuss with your child the reason why they are going to hospital. During these discussions it is equally important to answer their questions truthfully and calmly according to their ability to understand. This is advisable to occur:

• For children aged two to three years - two to three days prior to admission.
  
• For children aged from three to six years - four to seven days prior to admission.
  
• Older children benefit from preparation several weeks ahead.

During this preparation time for you and your child, you may like to read storybooks about children going to hospital. The storybook 'Sarah's Story' will be sent to children who are between the ages of 3-10 years and who are waiting for their surgery. The book tells the story of a little girl who is admitted for cardiac surgery and follows her progress throughout her hospitalisation until discharge. Families of cardiac children have also found the storybook very useful in explaining to other family members and friends what may happen during hospitalisation.

A play medical kit is helpful in educating your child in preparation for the procedure they require. This can be obtained through the Children’s Ward via the Admission and Discharge Clinical Nurse (Ph.+61 07 31394166 or +61 07 31394665 or voicemail +61 07 31394259).

Relaxation techniques are very helpful in reducing anxiety. The child has a choice of two techniques, one guides the child through visualising themselves in their favourite place, the other guides them through deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Relaxation tapes for children are available for loan. Please contact the Admission and Discharge Clinical Nurse for further information.

If you live in the Brisbane area, a ward tour with play therapy is available at your request. This will assist you and your child to become familiar with the ward. If you are unable to attend a ward tour, the Admission and Discharge Clinical Nurse is available for phone consultation to answer any questions about the hospital stay.
(pH +61 07 31394166/31394665 or voicemail +61 07 31394259)

Advice on preparing your child for hospital is also available through the National Office of The Association for The Welfare of Child Health.

Some helpful tips during your child’s stay

• Be honest, sympathetic and affectionate with your child.
  
• Work in partnership with the health care team in caring for your child
  
• Talk to the nurse regarding helping with your child's bathing, feeding and toileting routine
  
• Live in with your child if you can as this will help your child to feel more secure and confident.
  
• Keep visiting your child even if your child appears unsettled when you are with them
  
• Don't ever promise an actual day of returning home in case this may need to be postponed
  
• If you have to leave your child, always inform your child before leaving, and go confidently. Never try and slip away unnoticed, as this may increase your child's fear.
  
• Tell the nurse caring for your child that you are leaving
  
• Let the nurse know when you will be visiting. This will help the nurse to plan your child's care with you.

Occasionally, parents or visitors may be asked to leave the bedside during certain procedures or discussions. This is at the discretion of the doctor attending your child at the time.

After your child goes home

It is normal for children to be unsettled for a period of time after they come home from hospital. This is a natural reaction to the 'stress' of hospital, and separation from home and family routines. There will be an adjustment period for your child during this time where they may need extra support. If problems persist please contact nursing staff or your family GP.