My child is worried about coming to hospital

If your child is distressed about particular tests or procedures at their appointment, you can ask for a Play Specialist to come along to support your child.

Play Specialists are trained to use play and distraction techniques to help relax children and to support them during tests and procedures.

If your child has become distressed at previous appointments, you can phone the Play Specialist department to ask for help before any future appointments. Telephone: 0141 452 4009.

What, Why Hospital

This site provides helpful videos and leaflets to prepare children and teenagers for what to expect when they come to hospital for an outpatient appointment, investigation or planned stay.

Having a Hospital Clinic Appointment (GOSH Information Sheets) 

These are ‘easy to read’ information sheets from Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, for young children and children with learning disabilities, which explain what happens when you come for a hospital appointment. These include information on coming along for a CT scan, a blood test or an ECG, among others.

Resource for parents of children with ASD (Parents Guide to Blood Draws)

This resource has lots of good information and strategies on how best to prepare your child with Autistic Spectrum Disorder for having a blood test carried out, but could be applied to all young children.

Where a child or young person is particularly distressed and is felt to need additional psychological or psychiatric support, a member of staff can make a referral to the Paediatric Clinical Psychology or Paediatric Liaison Psychology services for assessment and advice.