The information book - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

Things to remember
• A consistent and ongoing, whole−school approach to supporting a child
with cancer is important.
• Relevant information about your child’s condition should be shared with
appropriate school staff.
• Maintain regular communication with the school regarding how your child
is coping at school and home.
• Look for opportunities for your child to participate in activities with the school
which will help them to maintain a social connection with their peers and the
school community.
• Ensure appropriate modifications are made to allow your child access
to the school environment and curriculum.
• Explore possible sources of additional support.
Pets
You don’t have to get rid of your pets – they are an important part of your
child’s family. However;
• Wash hands after handling or patting the pet.
• Wash hands before meals.
• Your child should not clean out the pet’s places including litter trays, fish
tanks and bird cages.
• Most pets are suitable according to the age of the child, although some
playful pups (and other pets) can scratch or bite. If the child is bitten or
scratched, then the wound should be washed well with cool running water,
cleaned with an antibacterial agent and covered if necessary with clean
gauze. Ring the CCC for further advice.
• Maintain pet immunisation and regular worm medication, as per animal
schedule.
• Ensure pets have no ticks or fleas, keeping their coat healthy with regular
brushing and cleaning.
• Pets should not be allowed to hunt or feed from rubbish bins, but maintained
on a commercial diet for their species. Other foods such as eggs, poultry or
meat products should be adequately cooked and water should only be taken
from sources that are fit for human consumption.
• It is not ideal to allow pets to sleep on your child’s bed.
Living with cancer Sec.3:19
Updated March 2011