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Coming to hospital can be an uncertain time for both children and their families. Our aim is to provide you with information that will help prepare you for your stay.
'My trip to hospital' program
The 'My trip to hospital' books and DVD show you through a ‘typical’ admission starting at the front of the hospital, through to the wards, operating theatre, the Wonder Factory and even Outpatients.
Reading the age-relevant book, along with watching the video clips, will give you a better idea of what to expect and what to prepare for.
![]() My trip to hospital 12 years & older (2.9 MB PDF) |
![]() My trip to hospital 9 to 11 years (3.1 MB PDF) |
![]() My trip to hospital 7 to 9 years (3.2 MB PDF) |
![]() My trip to hospital 4 to 7 years (3.8 MB PDF) |
![]() Fred's trip to hospital 3 years and younger (2.4 MB PDF) |
![]() Watch the My trip to hospital video |
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Our Family Advisory Council has also produced the Bedside Book: a guide to the Royal Children's Hospital for parents and carers, which provides parents and carers with some practical information about the hospital and our people and services. If you have not yet received a copy of the Bedside Book please ask the nurse on duty to provide you with one.
Your choice - public or private patient
The RCH welcomes public and private patients. If you have private health insurance and your child is being admitted to the RCH, you have the option to use it.
Patients and families choosing to use their private health insurance as an alternative to being a public patient will not be billed for any 'out of pocket' expenses.
To read more about admission to the RCH as a private patient, read the RCH private health insurance information brochure or contact our Patient Options Liaison Team on 07 3636 9855.
Important reasons to telephone the hospital
CONTACT the RCH before your child's procedure if:
If you need to cancel your child's procedure, you may have to wait some time before a new appointment is available.
Contact numbers:
Weekdays, 8am until 4.30pm
Theatre Bookings Officer
Tel: 07 3636 7556
All other times:
RCH Switchboard on tel: 07 3636 8111. Ask to page the Nurse Unit Manager.
Some general tips
When to tell your child
You know your child best. A general guide for when to tell your child is:
What to tell your child
Ensure that you answer their questions honestly and simply:
Other ways to help prepare your child