Questions about the hospital
- Is there any information about the hospital and ward i.e. booklets, fact sheets, virtual tour or any other pre-admission information?
- Is there a hospital in the home program where my child’s treatment can continue at home?
- What are the visiting hours?
- What time is rest period or bedtime?
- What time are meals or snacks served? Where?
- Is there a choice of menu?
- Can brothers, sisters and other relatives and friends of my child visit? Are there child-minding facilities for siblings?
- Are there any play facilities, play staff, hospital toys, books?
- Is there a hospital school or teachers to help my child continue with their schooling?
- What facilities are available for parents?
Questions about medical procedures
- What does the procedure involve and how long will it take?
- Can I stay while my child is given medication before the procedure?
- Can I go to theatre with my child?
- Can I stay until they are asleep?
- When can I enter recovery and who will let me know my child is awake?
- How long will my child be in hospital?
- What are the plans for discharge and follow up?
- What treatment will my child need after the procedure?
- Who can I call if I need help at home?
- Is there a hospital in the home program available?
Questions about the hospital stay
- Will my child and I be included in decisions on their care?
- What are our rights during the stay?
- What do we need to take to hospital?
- Can my child wear their own clothes?
- Will they be in a cot or a bed?
- Will they be confined to bed or their room in the daytime?
- How many children might be in the ward and what age range?
- Are there rooming-in facilities for parents?
- Is there a cost?
- Are meals provided for parents?
- If not where can I buy food?
- What can I do, or not do, for my child during our stay?
- Is there a set time the healthcare team will visit?
- Is there a nurse who will be mainly responsible for their care?
- Will a doctor be available for information other than at the ward round?
