A child's stay in a hospital is a difficult experience for both the toddler and his parents. What is the best way to prepare for this time so that the child feels safe in the hospital and as little as possible to be afraid?
Regardless of whether the stayof the child in the hospitalwas planned (e.g. tonsillectomy) or it is falling on us like a bolt from the blue - you need to mentally prepare yourself and yourself and kid.
Iftreatmentis planned, the choice of hospital is yours (remember: no regionalization!). Then it is worth looking for one that your friends or pediatrician have a positive opinion about. Internet forums for parents are a good source of information. The problem is that you have to wait a long time for a place in proven, reputable institutions.
Child in hospital - good attitude
A few years old is old enough to understand what is going on around him, you need to talk to him about staying in the hospital. A few days in advance, you should warn him, explaining where he will be and what will happen to him. The fear of the hospital can be helped to overcome the child by playing doctor with him or reading books, the characters of which must be in the hospital. Reassure the child that someone in the family - you, dad, grandmother - will be with him at the hospital. In some facilities it is also possible to visitwardin advance and meet the staff (the date of the visit should be agreed with the ward nurse). The day before the planned date of the party, pack your bags. Most hospitals allow the child to have their toys or beloved cuddly toys in the room, and to wear home clothes during the day - however, it is worth checking what habits prevail in the facility you are going to, and what you can take with you.
Child in hospital with parents
If the attending physician agrees, the child's guardian may be admitted to the ward with him (it depends on the availability of the so-called hotel rooms in the hospital). This procedure also takes place in the emergency room, and the hospital charges fees for each day of the parent's stay (rates depend on the facility). In some hospitals, parents are not admitted to the ward, but can stay there with their child at all times. However, it is worth knowing that many institutions charge fees even for the parent occupying a chair next to the bed. Most hospitalsparents can also buy meals for themselves (information can be obtained from the ward nurse) or use the hospital buffet.
Child in hospital - hospital life
Each ward has its own specificity and customs, so it is worth reading the regulations for patients - it should be posted on the information board. Parents who are with their children must be completely he althy and are often required to wear shoe covers and protective aprons. You may also be asked to leave the room during celebrations, medical appointments and some treatments. In many wards (due to he alth and safety regulations), parents are not allowed to use items used by the child (e.g. a cup or towel), they cannot prepare their own meals or use a ward cooker. However, it is worth remembering that you are in the ward for a specific purpose: to ensure the child's mental safety and create a substitute for a home atmosphere. So try to devote your time and attention to your toddler by reading, carrying or playing with him, so as not to disturb other small patients and to cooperate with the nurse in caring for the baby (hygiene, calming, feeding).
Even if you are depressed or tired, stay alert. Be careful when you bring a cup of hot coffee into the room (someone may knock you over), and if your child uses a pacifier, wash it thoroughly (due to the possibility of infection with hospital bacteria). And don't forget about yourself. You need time to shower or eat a hot meal in peace. If possible, share care with your partner or family member.
Doctors about parents
When in hospital with parents, a child accepts and endures procedures more easily, and copes with stress more easily. Sometimes, however, parents hinder the work of medical staff. They lack discipline - they are reluctant to leave the room for the duration of the round, bring forbidden items to the ward, fail to follow the doctor's dietary recommendations or give the child medications other than those prescribed. Sometimes they do not properly prepare the child for the planned procedures, despite prior arrangements. They unnecessarily prolong their talks with doctors and contact them sometimes up to several times a day, preventing them from performing their duties towards other patients. There are also opposite situations - some are with the baby, but do not ask the doctor about the baby's he alth. They do not trust or respect the staff treating the child, provide false information about the he alth or medical history, and some react with unjustifiedaggression towards doctors for the diagnosis.
Without mom in the room
A stay in a hospital is an unpleasant experience for a child. He associates it with pain, something unknown, and if, in addition, no one close to him can stay with him - also separation and loneliness, which especially young children treat as a punishment. So it's important to minimize these unpleasant feelings. If you cannot sleep with your child:
- On the day of admission to hospital, stay with the baby as long as possible, at least until he is familiarized with the staff and familiarized with the new place.
- Don't leave the ward without saying goodbye to your child and explaining the next time you come (young children may find it abandoned).
- Visit them every day.
- You can usually keep an older child by phone - most wards have telephones, and some hospitals also allow children to have their cell phones with them.
- Make sure your child has a cuddly toy that they feel safe with.
- Do not transfer your fears and worries about his he alth to the child. Do not cry in front of him, and do not talk to the doctor in front of the child.
- Don't scare him ("If you don't calm down, you'll get an injection"). Children experience hospitalization more and start to be afraid of nurses or doctors.
- Explain to the older child what tests and treatments await him.
- Do not criticize the staff or the equipment of the hospital in front of the child, as this can easily make them feel insecure.
Return home
The procedures apply not only to the admission of the child to the hospital, but also to the discharge. In many hospitals, the formalities must be completed by a specific time. Before you take your baby with you, find out if he or she is going to have a special diet, whether he or she needs medication, and if so, in what doses, etc. You will be given a hospital treatment information card on discharge (keep it). Read it carefully in the presence of your doctor and clarify it if you are unsure. Make sure you have the telephone number for the hospital (in case you need to contact your doctor urgently). Also, do not assure your child that he will never come back to the hospital - you are not so sure.
In the emergency room
When presenting your child to the emergency room, you must have:
- referral to hospital,
- medical records related to the disease,
- child's he alth book, a document entitling to free treatment (e.g. an insurance card)
- document containing the child's PESEL number (and if not already available, the document with yourPESEL number),
- medications that the child takes and needs to be given regularly
At the emergency room you will have to sign a consent to admit the child and stay in the hospital, as well as for treatment and diagnostic tests (such as taking blood for tests, drug administration, etc.). More invasive tests or high-risk diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (e.g. surgery) require additional, also written consent. If a hospital has the word "clinical" in its name, it means that future doctors are training there. So do not be surprised if you get a document to be signed in which you can agree (or not) to have your child examined by persons other than the attending physician (e.g. students).