What Will Happen When You Are Admitted To Hospital
When you arrive on the ward a nurse will show you to your bed and tell you where to put your things. Everyone you meet will tell you who they are and what they do.
The nurse will show you where the nearest toilet is to your bed and other things you might need to know about on the ward.
They will check all the information they have about you is correct, check your weight and height, your temperature, your blood pressure and see how you are feeling. They might have to do other tests as well.
The nurse will put a bracelet on you. This has important information on it and must always be on your arm or leg. Do not take it off!
Tests and Procedures
You and your parents or carers will be asked some questions by the nurses and doctors and maybe some of our other healthcare staff. The answers will help make sure you get the right treatment. Your doctor will decide which tests or procedures you need and will tell you about them.
If you don’t understand anything, ask them to explain it again.
If you are wondering about what happens when you have an operation, read our booklet about “Jane’s Trip to the Operating Theatre”
Where You Will Sleep
If you are staying overnight you will be staying on Puffin ward. You may have your own room or could be staying in a room with 3-5 other young patients. You will have a small cupboard to pack your personal things in.
There is a curtain that you can pull around your bed if you want to have some privacy. Beside your bed there is a bedside table, light and call button in case you need to call a nurse.
There is a bathroom close to your bed where you can go to the toilet or shower. One of your parents or carer can sleep beside you on a reclining chair.
Meals
The food might be a bit different to the food you eat at home but we always try and find something that you like. Every evening you will get a menu so that you can choose what you want for lunch and dinner the following day.
Breakfast is usually from 8-9am and there is a choice of cereals, toast and yoghurts.
Lunch is at around 12.30pm and dinner is at 4.30pm.
If you get hungry between meals just tell a nurse and they will try and get you a snack. Your parent or carer can also bring in a few snacks and drinks for you to keep in your cupboard.
Sometimes your doctor might give special instructions for what you can and can’t eat.