Parents' Questions
Parent's Questions Answered
This page contains a number of frequently asked questions, some of which you may have asked yourself. The answers provided may help with a difficulty you are currently experiencing or may prompt you to contact us for further assistance.
Please let us know if the information and advice on this page proves helpful.
1) Will I be able to stay with my child - beside her bed - overnight?
All hospitals where children are treated are now aware that a child in hospital needs support from a parent/familiar person. You should not have any difficulty but it would be a good idea to contact the ward before your child is admitted to find out what facilities are available. You will get further details in the 'Prepare Yourself' section in our Parent Advice Booklet (you can buy from our shop) and Point 2 in the Charter for Children in Hospital.
2) How much will it cost me to stay in the hospital with my child?
Children in Hospital Ireland believes parents should not have to incur any extra costs when their child is in hospital. However, as there are no overall guidelines relating to this, we have recommended to the Department of Health and Children that it adopts the Charter for Children in Hospital. At present, some hospitals have charges for parents' facilities; these vary from hospital to hospital so you will have to check with the hospital where your child is being admitted. If there are charges and you have a difficulty with them - let the staff know and contact CHI for help. For further information, please see the 'Prepare Yourself' section in our Parent Advice Booklet (you can buy it from our shop) and Point 3 in the Charter for Children in Hospital.
3) Do I have to bring a flask and sandwiches to the hospital?
Most hospitals have canteen facilities which are available to families staying with a child. There are also vending machines in most hospitals. It certainly should not be necessary for you to bring your own food in with you, except perhaps if you have specific dietary requirements. Please call the ward and find out the opening hours of the canteen and whether there are facilities for parents to make tea or coffee on it. For further information, please see the 'Prepare Yourself' section in our Parent Advice Booklet (you can buy it from our shop) and Point 3 in the Charter for Children in Hospital.
4) Are parents allowed to go to the hospital theatre with their child?
At present, whether parents can accompany their child to theatre or to the anaesthetic room is dependant on the individual hospital - there are no overall rules for this. Children in Hospital Ireland's Charter recommends that children have the right to have a parent or parent substitute with them at all times but you will have to check what is the practice in your hospital.
For further information, please see the 'Prepare Yourself' section in our Parent Advice Booklet (you can buy it from our shop) and Point 2 in the Charter for Children in Hospital.
5) I don't understand what is going to happen to my child - how can I find out?
It is important that you do understand what will happen to your child as you will be the best person to help them get through the experience. The more you can explain the better. It is hard to take in details - especially if you are a bit upset yourself - so take time to write things down and keep asking until you are sure that you have it right.
For further information, please see the "Introduction" and "Questions you want to ask the doctor or other staff" sections in our Parent Advice Booklet (you can buy it from our shop) and Points 5 and 6 in the Charter for Children in Hospital
6) My son had his tonsils out. Now that we are home again I thought that things would get back to normal, but my little boy is still very upset and has bad dreams most nights - what can I do to make it better?
Children of all ages can have some difficulties when they come home from hospital. This is normal and will usually pass in a short time. Our Parent Advice Booklet offers some suggestions on how to help your child get back to normal.
For further information, please see the "Going Home" and "Home Again" sections in our Parent Advice Booklet (you can buy it from our shop)
7) My baby is going into hospital for a test next month - what can I do to prepare him/her?
Introducing hospital play to children as part of their ordinary play is a good way for children to learn about hospital. This can include dressing up and playing doctors and nurses with teddies, friends or mum or dad as patients. There are also lots of very colourful picture books available in libraries and bookshops which you can read with your child.
For further information, please see our Parent Advice section and 'When to Prepare' and 'Preparing your Child for Hospital' parts in particular. You could also have a look at our reading list on this website.
8) Will the nurses and doctors think I'm stupid if I cannot remember what they tell me and I have to ask a few times?
Having a child in hospital is very stressful and difficult for all of the family. It is a good idea to write down your questions and make a note of the answers so that you have something to look at later. If you don't understand the answer or forget what you were told, ask again. You have a right to information and it must be given to you in a way that you can understand.
Please see our Parent Advice section in general and the "Introduction" & "Questions you want to ask the doctor or other staff" parts in particular. See also the Charter for Children in Hospital: points 5 and 6.
9) Do you have any advice on what to do if you think the person looking after your child is not treating them with respect?
The needs and rights of children in hospital are well understood by staff caring for sick children. However, if you have a concern about how a particular person is dealing with your child, don't be afraid to express it. It is better to solve problems at an early stage. Children in Hospital Ireland is here to help should the need arise.
Please see our Parent Advice Booklet in general and the "A Word of Caution" part in particular. See also the Charter for Children in Hospital: points 8, 9 &10.
