The information book - Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service

How the ward works
The Paediatric Ward can be a very busy and noisy place. The ward aims to
be child and family friendly, encouraging and supporting parents/caregivers to
participate in your child’s care and decision-making. Please discuss your child’s
normal routines (eg sleeping times etc) with the nursing staff so that these can
be accommodated during your child’s stay.
At times your child may require transfer to the Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC)
at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for further treatment. The Paediatrician,
in consultation with the medical staff from the Children’s Cancer Centre at the
RCH will make this decision.
During your child’s stay on the Paediatric Ward, the Paediatrician, Paediatric
Registrar and nursing staff liaise regularly with your child’s treating team at the
CCC in order to provide the best care.
Interpreters
The ward is able to book an interpreter if required.
Bathing
It is important your child has a bath, shower or wash every day. Bathing can
happen at any time during the day. A baby bath is located in our ward area;
a larger bath is located in an adjacent area.
Telephone calls
Family and friends can call the phone in your child’s room. Your child’s bedside
telephone number can be obtained from nursing staff. To make outgoing calls
you need to purchase a phone card from the hospital switchboard.
Mobile phones may be used in the ward area but not within 1 meter of the
infusion pumps. A public Phone is located in the foyer.
Schooling
Children are encouraged to bring schoolwork into hospital with them.
Local schools are very supportive of children requiring extended periods of
hospitalisation, and are happy to liaise with us regarding schoolwork. Please
speak to nursing staff if you would like some help in regard to schooling.
Meals
Generally there are set meal times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals can
also be delivered to the ward cold to be heated at a later time.
Your child’s regional hospital Sec.2.6:3
Updated March 2011