If you get the chance to prepare your child before going to the hospital, do so. Get some children's books on the subject and read them to your child. If your child goes to nursery or school, find out whether it is possible for the children to visit a hospital. Some hospitals arrange visiting days for children. They get a guided tour, are told what it is like to stay in a hospital and are allowed to touch some of the instruments.
Children often feel safer and more in control if they have been to a place before.
You can also buy a toy stethoscope and play 'Going to the Hospital' with the child. But even though your child puts up with a doctor's examination at home, he or she might react differently at the hospital. Don't expect your child to 'behave' when they go into hospital, and never yell at him or her. Often your child is not in control of their own reactions. Never threaten your child by saying you'll take them to see the doctor or make them go to hospital if they don't behave or refuse to eat their dinner.