2/5: On the Ward:

Who will be looking after my child?

Nurses - Often nurses work in teams looking after a group of children. One of the team will be allocated to your child, as her named nurse. If you have any questions about your child, speak to them first. They may not always be able to give you an immediate answer, but they will be able to talk to someone who can, or point you in the right direction. This named nurse should also be able to tell you how your child is coping with hospital.

Doctors - Like nurses, doctors work in teams too. The Consultant is the most senior, and they have a Registrar or Senior House Officer working with them. Usually the Consultant will meet you and your child and talk to you both about your child's condition and treatment. Doctors who work in pediatrics are specially trained to deal with children, so they understand how anxious children can get, and know how to make them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible when they are being examined.

Play Specialists -These are specially trained staff who organise play in hospital and help prepare children for their treatment.

What is the daily routine?

Hospital days start early and can seem very long. They are however fairly structured; breakfast is usually followed by the ward round, where the nursing team (both doctors and nurses) visit each patient in turn for an update on their progress and treatment regime. Also during the morning, patients are washed and beds changed where necessary. Lunch is usually followed by a quiet time, and then, even though visitors are admitted to children's wards all day, late afternoon and early evenings are when most appear. Teatime is usually around 5.00 pm.

breast feeding. The daily comings and goings on the ward depend on the size of the hospital and the number of admissions, but you can expect to see children being admitted and discharged, taken to other parts of the hospital for tests and operations and even (if they are long stay patients) having school lessons.

What about eating and drinking?

Your child will be fed by the hospital at set times during the day. If you want to give her other food and drink, or sweets, ask your named nurse if this is alright. This is because many children in hospital are on special diets, and it's essential that staff know exactly what your child is having to eat. Be careful not to leave food where it can be reached by other children, and always check before letting your child share sweets or other food.

If you stay with your child you will be expected to provide your own food. Usually there is a hospital cafeteria you can use if leaving the hospital is a problem.

How can I help?

You can care for your child in hospital as you would at home. This means doing all the washing, changing, feeding and putting to bed yourself. Children whose parents are able to stay and do this usually settle in more quickly - and the nursing staff will appreciate the help.

You know your child best, so you can help her understand what is happening to her, as well as explain how she feels to other people. In addition, don't be afraid of asking staff how you can contribute -they will explain hospital protocol and the best way to help.

How can I have a break if I stay?

Once your child is comfortably settled, find out where the bathroom, vending machines, cafeteria, shops, and other amenities are Hospital wards are always very warm, so choose an appropriate moment during the day to get some fresh air. You'll benefit from the break, and will be able to give better support to your child when you return.

WAYS TO MAKE LEAVING YOUR CHILD EASIER

• Explain truthfully to your child where you are going and when you'll be back. Don't be surprised if she is upset, and cries - she's in a vulnerable state, and it's much better if she expresses her emotions rather than bottles them up
  
• If your child is young and doesn't want you to leave, first try wandering around the ward Where she can see you. Then, still on the ward, stay away out of sight for longer periods of time, but always return. This process helps to build up confidence about being left on her own
  
• After a day or so, go out for half an hour and then gradually increase the time you are away
  
• If you leave the hospital for a while, maybe to go home or have a meal, always tell the nursing staff when you are going and expect to return
  
• Leaving your child with your photograph can help reassure her and overcome separations

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