A new children's ward is being built at the Royal Bolton to replace our current facilities. It is due to open in 2011. This will be a 42-bedded ward, including single rooms, high dependency care, 11 observation and assessment beds, a play area and a lounge for young people. For more information visit the Making it Better section of our website.
The following information is aimed to help you and your child settle into the ward quickly and to answer a few of your immediate questions.
If your child has been admitted as an emergency you may already feel that a lot has happened in a short time.
- If you have any questions, or want to discuss anything about your child’s treatment so far do not hesitate to speak to the nurse caring for your child.
If your child has been admitted for a planned operation you will have already had time to prepare your child.
How can you help your child?
Your child will be more anxious and frightened if they sense your fears.
- It is best if you have any worries to speak to a nurse.
- Try not to let your child listen to the conversation as this might add to their fears.
Be honest with your child and explain things in a way that they understand.
- Explain why they are in hospital and how the nurses and doctors will help them to get better.
If your child is coming into hospital for a planned operation try to remember that your child will probably feel well when they arrive on the ward and feel unwell when they go home.
- Explain to your child how the operation will help them.
- It may help to read your child stories about going into hospital or to play pretend games.
Be with your child as much as possible.
- It is better for your child if a parent or relative cares for all their usual needs wherever possible.
- If you are unsure whether you can be involved in washing, changing, feeding and playing discuss this with your child's nurse.
Make sure that your child has their favourite toy, blanket or dummy.
- Let your child wear their own pyjamas at night and their own clothes during the day.
What do I need to bring for my child?
- Own clothes
- Nightwear
- Wash things & toiletries
- Usual medication from home
What are the visiting times?
Parents may visit at any time.
- Visiting for friends and relatives is anytime from 10am to 8pm
- Children may visit during these times as long as an adult accompanies them
At 8pm we try to make the ward quieter so that younger children can settle down to sleep.
- For security reasons, any parent leaving the ward after 9.30pm must inform the staff as the ward doors will be locked at this time.
Can I stay overnight with my child?
It is best for your child if they have a parent or relative staying with them.
- Unfortunately we can only provide facilities for one parent or relative (over 16yrs old) to stay.
Where will I sleep if I stay with my child?
A Z-bed will be provided for you to stay by your child's bed.
- Sheets and a pillow will be provided.
- You should arrange for someone to collect suitable night attire and toiletries from home.
Where can I find food and drink facilities?
Parents may make a hot drink in the parents' room (situated on or near the ward).
- This must be drunk in the parents' room and not taken onto the ward where an accident could happen.
Children are not allowed in the parents' room for the same safety reasons.
Food can be bought in the hospital restaurant
Opening Times: 9am to 9pm and 10.30pm to 2.30am
There are also three WRVS shops that sell sandwiches, crisps, sweets, toys and papers.
You may prefer to have food brought in from home.
- This is allowed but there are no facilities available for you to reheat or prepare food on the ward.
When will my child have their meals?
Babies' feeds are provided on the ward.
- Most kinds of baby milk are available.
Older children will be offered cereal or toast for breakfast at about 8am.
Lunch and Tea arrive on the Thomas the Tank Engine at about midday and 5pm.
If your child needs a drink or snack in between meals please ask a member of staff.
If your child is going to have an operation do not give your child anything to eat or drink without checking with a member of staff.
After your child's operation you will be able to give your child a drink.
- Once this is tolerated a little food can be offered.
- If this is tolerated full diet can be offered.
CHECK WITH A MEMBER OF STAFF BEFORE GIVING YOUR CHILD ANY FOOD OR DRINK.
What bathroom facilities are available?
Resident parents may use the parents bathroom situated on the wards. Other toilets can be found on the main hospital corridor.
Do I need to bring nappies for my baby?
Yes
When will the doctor see my child?
If your child is having an operation a specialist surgical doctor and an anaesthetist doctor will see your child before the operation. You will need to sign a consent form.
- This can only be done by a natural parent or legal guardian.
If your child has been admitted with an orthopaedic problem (bone or joint problems) your child will probably be seen each day.
- However there is no set time that the orthopaedic doctors arrive on the ward.
If your child has a medical problem they will be seen by the Paediatric doctors on the morning ward round, The ward round starts its journey on B1 and then goes up to G5 ward.
If you are waiting to see the doctor please speak to your child's nurse as it may be possible to give you an idea of when to expect the doctors that day.
Safety and security
Smoking is not allowed in the hospital. If you need to smoke you must use the designated smoking shelters provided.
For security reasons all authorised hospital staff must wear their Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust identification badge.
- Do not allow anyone without a badge to become involved with your child
- If you are in any doubt inform a member of staff immediately
Telephones
Pay phones are available on both Wards and on the main hospital corridors and main entrance.
Mobile phones can be used but must remain on silent mode only.
There are Patient Line televisions at the side of every bed on G5 ward. When registered you will receive a personal phone number for you to give to friends and relatives.
Relatives may ring the ward to pass a message on to you or your child. You may only speak to a relative on the ward telephone if it is urgent. Please be quick as we are often waiting for calls from doctors or other departments within the hospital.
Ward G5 - Tel: - 01204 390405
Ward B1 - Tel: - 01204 390712