The information book - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

There are facilities for one parent to sleep in the ward overnight. The nursing
staff will tell you about these.
It can be emotionally demanding to spend long periods of time supporting your
child. The staff understand that it is important for parents and carers to take
breaks from the ward and from the hospital. The nursing staff will make sure
your child is well cared for while you are taking a break.
Helping your child cope with being in hospital
Different children cope differently with being in hospital, with medical
procedures and treatment. Here are some suggestions to help your child cope
with being in hospital. Please talk to people on your child’s team for more help.
FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
Babies and toddlers will feel most secure with their main caregivers. They may
fear strangers and separation from their parents. Toddlers will find ways to try
and assert their independence. Some ideas to help your younger child cope
are:
• Bring favourite items from home – toys, security blanket, stuffed animals,
books, music.
• Soothe or relax your child with music, singing, rocking / cuddling, reading
favourite stories.
• Offer your child real choices where possible – Do you want to walk to the
treatment room or let me carry you?
• Encourage your child to play with real or pretend medical equipment, dolls,
puppets, art supplies, to help your child express feelings and to work
through experiences.
• Read books to your child that relate to his or her concerns or experiences.
• Reassure your child that he or she has not done anything wrong and is not
being punished.
• Encourage your child to participate in his or her care as much as possible –
for example, letting your child take medication.
• Set limits and boundaries for your child to enhance his or her sense
of security.
• Encourage members of the team to talk to your child before approaching him
or her.
Your child’s hospital – RCH Sec.2.0:3
Updated March 2011