Staying with your child in hospital

If you are staying on the ward with your child you will be provided with overnight facilities (usually a fold away bed). Where possible, this will be at your child's bedside, however, if your child is in critical care this might be at a local hotel.

There are toilet and shower facilities for parent/caregivers on every inpatient ward. Depending on ward facilities and space you and your child may have to share a room.

Please bring you night clothes, toiletries and anything else you might want to keep you comfortable for your overnight stay.

Meals

Adults are more likely than children to have and transmit COVID-19 infection. During the current pandemic we will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner from the patient food trolley for the parent or caregiver who is staying with their child. This is to help reduce the amount of time you need to spend in public areas.

There are currently no alternative food preparation areas for parent/caregivers within RHC. Staff are able to heat milk for babies.

We ask that you adhere to social distancing where possible.

Face coverings must be worn by parents/caregivers in all clinical areas of the children's hospital, unless you are exempt for medical reasons.

If you do not have one, one will be provided for you.

Please wear your face covering when leaving your child’s bedside or when a member of staff enters your child's room.

Please note, it is not possible for parents or caregivers to stay with their child in the Intensive Care Unit. Alternative accommodation will be provided within the Children's Hospital or Ronald McDonald House.

The Royal Hospital for Children is committed to providing a smoke free environment for children and their families. Smoking is not permitted within the buildings or grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus, where the hospital is located. This applies to all staff, patients and visitors.