Being in bed or staying in hospital for the day doesn't have to be boring. Why not bring in your favourite toys DVDS and games. You may even meet new friends and learn a lot too about hospital life.
Tip:
Why not ask a play worker for art materials and make a scrap book!!
Missing home
Why not bring in photos from home along with your favourite toys. You could bring in things for drawing or for writing letters to friends or bring in your best books. You can always put up your get well cards around your bed.
Tip:
Tell us about who you are and what you like to do. We love to know all about you.
Nervous about treatment
Let everyone know if you are worried about anything. We like to explain things by talking and playing. It always helps to share if you're worried. Some things only take seconds to do so try asking a grown up to distract you or use your own imagination.
Tip:
Special anaesthetic cream can help along with a laugh and a hug!!
Questions ???
Ask lots of questions, it will help you to understand. You can always make a list before you meet the doctor or ask them to take time out to explain or even draw a picture.
Tip:
Don't be shy, be curious!!
Medicine. Is it yuck?
Here are a few tricks:
- Have a glass of your favorite drink close by.
- As soon as you swallow the medicine, take the glass and have a drink.
- Try sucking on an ice lolly before you take the medicine - the icy coldness will numb your taste buds.
- Swallowing a pill is much easier if you drink a little bit of water first. This gets the throat moving so it slips down smoothly. After you've swallowed the pill drink some more water.
- If you're dreading the murky medicine just remember - it makes you better so the more you have, the less you'll need!
Tip:
Be brave, be strong be wonderful.... you may get a sticker.
Food
We try our best to make delicious food. Let us know what you like.
Tip:
have some healthy snacks or fruit and juice just in case you fancy a treat.
Rest and sleep
If you are feeling poorly why not put your head down for a nap. Tell people not to disturb you. Keep to your normal bed time, try not to watch the TV, read a story and you'll soon drift off to sleep.
Tip:
We all need sleep, try a warm drink or listen to a story or quiet music, put the lights down and ZZZZZZZZ
Packing your bag
It can be very warm in hospital, bring T-shirts and comfy clothes and shoes. Pyjamas are for night time, don't be lazy bones. Bring all your nice smelly stuff to keep clean, don’t forget your toothbrush and towel.
Tip:
Be a bug buster and stay clean!
Coming to hospital for one day
When you come to hospital just for the day (day-case) you will meet your nurse. In some hospitals you will also meet a play specialist, the doctor and the rest of his/her team, who will look after you. There's no chance of getting bored, with plenty of videos to watch and computer games. After your treatment you can choose what you want to eat from a special menu. When you're feeling better after your treatment, and have had something to eat and drink, you'll be able to go home.
The nurses will tell you and your family what to expect after the treatment and will call your home the next day to make sure everything is okay.
Tip:
Why not ask your school friends to visit once you get home.
Visitors
Ask friends and family to visit, even if you are too tired to talk, it's nice to see a friendly face. In some places visiting is limited. Just ask first.
Tip:
Laughing makes your body release special chemicals called endorphins - these make your body feel happy. If you can't find anything to laugh about watch a funny film or ask other patients or nurses to tell you a joke
Visiting as an outpatient
This means that you will visit the Outpatients department but you don't need to stay overnight. Sometimes you might need to come back into hospital many times. This is so the doctors can find out what is wrong and help to make you better. Once you've been in once or twice you'll soon get to know the people there
Tip:
Bring your favourite books or games to keep busy. There are toys and activities in the department to keep you busy too.
We really want you to enjoy your experience in hospital
Don't worry, share your feelings and most of all be happy!!