Children Coming to Hospital

Hints & Tips for Parents

As a parent or carer you know your child best and there are lots of ways you can help make a hospital procedure – such as a blood test, X-ray or scan – better for them.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Make sure you know what will happen before and during the procedure (try looking for information on children’s hospital websites).
  • Tell staff if your child is very worried or has had a bad experience before, so they can give you extra support.
  • Explain everything simply and honestly to your child and give them the chance to ask questions. They might want to know what will happen and how it will feel. Older children may want to think about what might help them if they feel worried.
  • If your child is having a procedure which might hurt, like a blood test, don’t tell them it won’t hurt. Check if they need some local anaesthetic cream or pain relief medicine.
  • Bring some things they like to help distract them on the day (like books, toys, games, bubbles or videos on your phone).
  • If you don’t want to be present during the procedure, tell a member of staff and let your child know you’ll be nearby.