Preparing Your Child For Admission To Hospital

It is important that you talk to your child about going to hospital. If it is a new experience, your child may be unsure about the hospital environment. If they know what to expect in advance the experience will be less threatening for them. To help you do this we have prepared the following guidelines:

• We recommend that you explain to your child, according to his/her age and understanding, the reason why he/she is being admitted to hospital.
• Emphasise that it will only be temporary and explain what will happen.
• It is important to be open with your child. So, if something will hurt, tell him/her that it will hurt.
• Tell your child that it is normal to feel frightened and that he/she may cry.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and express his/her feelings.
• If you have arranged to stay overnight in the hospital, tell your child and if not, reassure him/her that you will visit frequently.
• Involve your child in packing for the hospital stay and include a favourite toy.
• Teenagers should be encouraged to talk about going to hospital as they may give the impression that they understand more then they do. Talking to them and involving them in discussions about their care will help them feel more in control.

The Association - Children in Hospital Ireland - has helpful literature on children going to hospital. These leaflets may be obtained from our Admissions Office.