What do I Need?

Essentials for your child's stay in Hospital:

• For Infant / Toddler - disposable nappies, face flannels, sponge, baby wipes, soap and towels, barrier cream, talc, baby clothes and night attire (light clothing)
  
• For Other Children - day clothes, socks, shoes, night attire, dressing gown and slippers, underwear (nappies if still required), face flannel, sponge, soap and towels, toothbrush, toothpaste and hair brush / comb
  
• Special Equipment - such as wheelchairs , chairs, beakers etc.

Please place all items in the locker provided:

No responsibility is accepted by the ward / hospital for property lost or damaged while on the premises.

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Settling In!

Admission
On admission to the ward you and your child will be shown to your bed. We appreciate that you and your stay may have had to wait for a bed. It is essential for the nurse to fully admit your child, taking details about your child's past care, past medical history , telephone number and visiting arrangements etc. This is vital information that we rely on should you have to leave your child at any stage. We will endeavour to introduce you to staff and other children and show you and your child around the ward. You are very welcome to participate in all aspects of your child's care.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO TELL THE ADMITTING NURSE:

1. Infectious Diseases:
   Inform staff if you, your child or any close family member have had recent contact with any infectious diseases e.g. chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, T. B.
2. Head Lice:
   It is routine to check all children for head lice while in hospital. This is to safeguard you and your child. Should we find evidence of infestation we will inform you and your child will be treated appropriately. In this incidence it is essential that all family members and close contacted be treated immediately.
3. Medications:
   Inform staff of any medications your child is taking at present. For the safety of your child and others please give all medications and devices (e.g. - inhalers such as ventolin, becotide, babyhaler etc) to the admitting nurse.

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Who's Who?

In order for you to distinguish between staff, the following code of dress applies:

All members of staff wear some form of identification and this should help you in getting to know all the members of the Hospital.

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SAFETY- HELP US HELP YOU!

For your child's safety please note the following:

• Children are not allowed to leave the ward without the permission of staff and without being accompanied by an adult.
• Please keep main doors closed at all times.
• Any visitors under the age of 16 years of age are not allowed to stay on the ward unless an adult is present.
• Please inform staff when you are leaving your child.
• Please ensure that the cot/bedsides are in place when you are leaving your child.
• Please hand any medications to staff on arrival to he ward.
• Please do not touch / interfere with any ward equipment.
• Please do not feed other children.
• Please do not lift / carry other children.
• If your child is fasting, it means from both food and drink including no water.
• Please inform staff if your child's identity band is damaged or removed.
• Please inform staff if you notice anything that may present a danger to your child or to other children in the ward.
• Please do not bring hot drinks into the ward area.
• Please take note of the positions of the fire exits on the ward.
• Please check your mobile phone and turn it off, as it interferes with vital electronic equipment on the ward.
• Please note children are not allowed into parent's accommodation.

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FACILITIES

Canteen:
The canteen is situated in the basement. The opening times for visitors and parents are 07.30 to 14.30, Monday - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, breakfast only provided for staff and visitors. Parents are asked to limit visits between 12.30pm to 1.30pm to facilitate staff.

Vending machines for food, drinks and sweets are available day and night in the canteen also. Other vending machines are situated in casualty.

School:
There is a schoolroom within the hospital staffed by qualified primary school teachers. It is a Department of Education school with schoolbooks and computers available. It is important, whilst in hospital, to maintain a certain level of normality in your child's life, especially if your child has a chronic illness and /or attends the hospital on a regular basis. It may be helpful to bring along some school books/homework to promote normal routine.

Opening Hours:
09.30 - 12..30 and 14.00 - 16.30 Monday to Thursday.
On Fridays the finishing time is 16.00pm. A teacher is available on the ward for children unable to attend the schoolroom.

Playroom:
There is a playroom within the hospital with qualified hospital play therapists and experienced child care-workers. Toys/games may also be brought to the ward by staff for children who are confined to bed.

Playroom Opening Hours:
10.00 - 12.30pm and 14.00pm - 16.30pm Monday to Thursday. On Fridays the finishing time is 16.00pm.

Social Work Department:
Your child's admission to hospital may prove to be a very stressful time for you, your child and your family. Our social work team in conjunction with the staff of the wards are available to you, for help and advice on personal, family and other matters which may arise. Frequently, on the ward, the doctor may ask you to meet the Social Work Department in relation to your child's illness. The location of the department is in the Out-Patient Department. Please ask a staff member to arrange an appointment for you, if required.

Pastoral Care Team:
When your child is in hospital, you may find it helpful to talk to one of the pastoral care team. Please ask a staff member to arrange an appointment for you.
There is a Christian chapel situated between the ground and first floor. Mass times are 08.30 on Sunday morning. Other weekday mass times are usually posted on the chapel door.

Parent Accommodation:
A limited number of parents' rooms are available. Please ask ward staff to arrange a room if required.
Parents Accommodation Officer is available Mon - Fri. 08.30 - 16.00pm

Pricing as follows:
Family Medial Card
Single Room         € 10
Double Room        € 15

Non Medical Card
Single Room         € 15
Double Room        € 25

€ 15 key deposit is required which will be refunded.

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DISCHARGE

When your child has been deemed fit for discharge, staff will inform you of the discharge and follow up care required for your child. If a follow up appointment cannot be made before you go home an appointment will be posted to your home address.
Please remember the following points:

• Inform staff if the ambulance service is required to transport your child home. This service has to be booked in advance.
• On discharge from Hospital your child must be collected by a parent / guardian
  
• If your child is discharged in the morning we would appreciate if you collect your child by 2pm. This will facilitate the acceptance of the daily routine admissions that arrive at this time.
  
• Please feel free to clarify any aspect of your child's home care and follow up care before leaving the ward.
  
• Please inform staff when you are leaving the ward.

We realise that any stay in hospital is stressful for you, your child and your family. We hope, given the circumstances, your experience has been a pleasant and comfortable one. Again, should you have any suggestion that you feel could have improved your stay, please put same in the parent's suggestion box. All suggestions will be taken seriously

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Security

Visitors are asked to comply with the security guards directions if asked to do so at all times.

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No Smoking Policy

The Hospital is a strict no smoking zone. Parents and visitors are not permitted to smoke in any part of the Hospital. Smoke detectors are fitted throughout the Hospital, including the parents accommodation

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Entering/Exiting the Hospital

Visitors can enter/exit the Hospital via the main entrance from 7 am until 6pm. After 6pm entrance and exit to and from the Hospital is via the Accident& Emergency Dept. only.

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Mobile Phones

All mobile phones are to be switched off before entering a ward area of the Hospital. This is necessary to avoid interference with medical equipment.

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Fire Procedure

Fire Alarms and smoke detectors are fitted throughout the Hospital. In the unlikely event of a fire, it will necessitate the evacuation of that area. Hospital staff are familiar with the Hospitals fire evacuation procedures. In the event of an emergency, please follow staffs instructions.

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What to do if your child or any of your family members or friends are sick

If you, your child, or anyone coming with him or her, has a cold, cough, diarrhoea, fever, or rash, or is otherwise feeling sick on the day they are supposed to come to the hospital, please call the Unit for advice before coming.  The appointment may have to be changed.

In addition, please call the Unit before coming if you, your child or your child's siblings, friends or schoolmates have been sick with any of the following, within four weeks before your or your child's visit to the hospital:

• Chicken pox, measles, tuberculosis, mumps, whooping cough, gastroenteritis

Because these illnesses can be dangerous to other patients, your or your child's appointment may need to be cancelled and rescheduled for another time.

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If you need to change or cancel an appointment

If you need to change or cancel your or your child's appointment, please call the Unit at (01) 878 4317 as soon as possible.

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For your convenience

• Snacks and full meals are available in the hospital's canteen during specified periods
• The OPD Unit has a wheelchair-accessible washroom and baby changing facilities.
• Interpreter services are available by calling the Unit in advance of your appointment.
• Visit our web site at www.cuh.ie for more information about the hospital.

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