Your Child's Hospital Journey
NHS Choices has produced a practical guide on how to prepare for your child going into hospital, including information on what to bring and the facilities available for both parents and children. Click here to visit NHS Choices.
What happens when you need an operation?
Concerns about having an operation are natural. To help you and your child understand the procedure once you are in hospital click here to watch our film.
Here are some of the other things that you or your child may want to know
Food and Mealtimes
While your child is in hospital they will be provided with healthy and tasty food throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper and snacks are provided and special dietary requirements are catered for.
If you a breastfeeding mother, all your meals will be provided.
If you have stayed overnight with your child then breakfast will be provided. A variety of catering outlets and shops are available at our hospitals. For more information about what facilities are available and opening times please click on the links below.
Entertainment and Play
Both children’s wards at York and Scarborough have a large playroom, with lots of entertainment including arts and crafts, a DVD library, electronic games, and facilities for teenagers.
Potable DVD players are available and patients can bring in their own tablets and laptops.
Each ward has a team of play specialists, and during term time teachers are available to help with school work.
Parent Facilities
We encourage parents to stay with young children at all times and where possible we will put a fold down bed beside the child’s bed for you to stay overnight. Please note that due to fire safety only one parent can stay overnight.
If you have stayed overnight with your child then breakfast will be provided. A variety of catering outlets and shops are also available at our hospitals.
Parents staying with their children or whose babies are in the Special Care Baby Unit are entitled to free parking. For more information speak to a member of staff.
