Your child in hospital

It’s always frightening when your little one is sick or injured. Here’s what to expect if he needs a trip to hospital 

Every year, thousands of babies and young children are admitted to hospital, either for an operation or as the result of an accident or illness. It may be common, but it’s always scary – and not knowing what to expect just makes things even worse.

Fortunately, doctors and nurses know just how frightening the experience can be for new mums and their babies, and will do all they can to put you at ease. And there’s plenty you can do, too, to make the trip as stress-free as possible.

Accidents and sudden illness

Your local accident and emergency department is the place to go if your child suddenly becomes seriously ill or needs immediate medical attention. But is it best to call an ambulance or drive to hospital yourself?

When her son James, nearly two, had a fit, Anne Doughty, 35, from Winchester, called an ambulance straightaway. ‘I dialled 999 and was put straight through to the ambulance controller, who immediately sent an ambulance,’ Anne recalls.

‘He was very reassuring, and stayed on the line until the paramedics arrived. They were great – calm and practical. Without them, I’d never have remembered to pick up my purse and keys!’

Calling an ambulance is often the best thing to do in an emergency, but if you feel your child’s condition isn’t life-threatening it might be best to go to hospital under your own steam for conditions such as:

* a deep cut that is bleeding fairly heavily 
* a serious fall, possibly with a broken bone or sprain
* a bump to the head
* a minor burn

However, in some circumstances you should always call 999, for example, if your child:

* is having difficulty breathing, or is so short of breath that he can’t talk
* has a convulsion (fit) for the first time, or one that lasts more than a minute
* becomes unwell after swallowing something poisonous or harmful – remember to take the packet or bottle to hospital with you.

‘If you’re unsure, call NHS direct (0845 4647) – lines are open24 hours a day,’ says Liam Stanley, a senior staff nurse in paediatric A&E at St George’s Hospital, London.

They can give advice on whether or not your child needs immediate treatment, and even call an ambulance for you.

At the hospital

At A&E, you’ll need to check in at reception. After booking in, your child will quickly be seen by a triage nurse, who will make a brief assessment of his condition.

Usually doctors will try and see children as soon as possible. ‘Here at St George’s, we have a dedicated children’s A&E department and the children are seen in order of medical priority,’ says Liam Stanley. ‘We always try to let parents know how long the wait will be.’

Waiting can be tiring and stressful, but most hospitals are geared to help keep children amused. ‘Like lots of A&E departments, at St George’s, we have a children’s waiting room with toys, colouring pens and a TV,’ says Liam. ‘And nappies, formula and water are all available to help with feeding and changing.’

Receiving treatment

Most injuries can be treated within the A&E department, and usually, you’ll be able to take your baby home afterwards. Sometimes, however, children need to be admitted on to a ward for ongoing treatment or observation.

‘James had to be rushed straight into resuscitation,’ remembers Anne. ‘Then, once his breathing was stable, we were sent to the children’s ward. Initially the paediatrician wanted him to stay in overnight, and I was offered a bed too. But by the evening he was well enough to go home.’

If your baby does need to stay in hospital, the staff will make sure he’s on a dedicated children’s ward wherever possible.

Planned admissions

Many babies and children need admitting to hospital for routine, minor procedures – for example, having grommets fitted (small tubes in the ear to prevent recurrent infections). If your child is referred to hospital for a procedure by the GP or paediatrician, you’ll need to take him to the ward stated in the admission letter.

You may be advised to call the ward early on the day of admission, to make sure a bed is available.

If your little one is old enough to understand, it’s important to help him prepare for his trip to hospital so he knows what to expect, says Lesley Wilson, a play specialist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London.

‘Lots of hospitals offer a pre-admission visit, which gives you and your child the chance to have a look around,’ she says. ‘It’s also a good idea to look at a picture book (such as Althea’s, Going Into Hospital) together, and play doctors and nurses with your child’s favourite soft toys.’

When her nine-month-old son Jack was due to be admitted for a heart operation, Amanda Stebbings, 32, from Surrey, visited the children’s ward and was told she could phone any time with any queries.

‘I phoned a number of times and the nurses were wonderful – I never felt they were too busy to help,’ she says.

Packing a bag

If your child is old enough, he can help pack his hospital-stay bag. As well as essential items like toiletries, nappies and clothes, make sure you take a few favourite toys, books or games.

Check with the hospital to see if you need to take your own baby food and nappies. If you’re breastfeeding, they should supply a breast pump for expressing and a fridge for storing your milk.

Don’t forget a bag for yourself – most parents are allowed to stay in with their child. In some hospitals you may be given a bed, or you may have to doze in an armchair. Amanda was given a bed alongside Jack’s cot.

‘The hospital provided pillows, but I brought my own sleeping bag,’ she says. ‘There was a small kitchen on the ward, so I also I packed my own coffee and teabags.’

At the hospital

When you arrive, you’ll need to settle your child in. Usually, you’ll be responsible for routine care such as feeding and washing. ‘It’s best to stick to your normal routine for mealtimes and bedtimes as much as possible,‘ says Lesley Wilson. ‘This helps your little one feel safe and secure.’

At some point, an anaesthetist will usually visit and you can ask how your child will be put to sleep. ‘If he’s having an injection, it’s best to be honest and tell him it might hurt for a second or two, but then he’ll be asleep while the doctors make him better,’ Lesley suggests. 

You should be able to stay with your child in the anaesthetic room until he’s asleep. Amanda was able to hold Jack in her arms as he was anaesthetised. ‘Being with him as he fell asleep really helped,‘ she says. You can also be with your child in the recovery room when he awakes.

After the operation

After your little one’s operation, the consultant or registrar should visit you at your child’s bedside and talk you through how things went. He should explain what they did, whether it was successful, and any follow-up treatment that may be needed.

A nurse should also talk to you about any aftercare (for example, looking after stitches), give you a prescription for any medication or painkillers your little one needs, and explain who to contact if you have any worries.

Most operations are short and routine, and you may be able to take your child home the same day. Sometimes the stay may be longer. Little Jack was in intensive care for 24 hours after his operation, and then on the children’s ward for a few more days before being discharged. ’

He made a great recovery, and I was really excited taking him home again,’ says Amanda. ‘I knew I could phone the ward at any time if I needed support or advice.’

If your tot does have to stay in, encourage family and friends to visit, both to make him feel comfortable and to give you a break. ‘Children’s wards usually have open visiting hours,‘ says Lesley Wilson, ‘but it’s important all visitors are fit and well, and wash their hands properly before coming on the ward to avoid spreading infection.’

When Jack’s older sister, Nicola, then three, came to visit with her dad, being on a children’s ward with lots of toys and videos to watch really helped. ‘Nicola was very jealous of all the attention Jack was getting,' remembers Amanda, ‘but she loved coming to hospital and having new toys to play with.’

Special care babies

One in 10 newborn babies spends at least a few days in a special care neonatal unit – because they’re born prematurely, are very small or very sick. He’ll be placed in an incubator for warmth and, depending on the problem, may have various monitors and tubes attached. You’ll be able to visit at any time, although not all hospitals provide overnight facilities. 

To start with, the nurses will do most of the work, but a special care team will show you how to handle and breastfeed your baby, and encourage you to become as involved as possible. Even if you can’t be there all the time, other family members will be welcome – although some hospitals don’t allow children in case they have an infectious illness.

For help and advice on premature or special care babies, contact Tommy’s (visit tommys.org or call 0870 777 30 60) or BLISS (bliss.org.uk or call 0500 618140)