This is the family's opportunity to ask questions about their child's hospital stay, the medical procedures to be performed, and special needs or concerns that have. The hospital should provide printed information and refer to other resources which will help prepare parents and children for hospital experience. For example, library books with stories about going to the hospital can be very helpful. Phoenix Children's Hospital has a variety of resources to help prepare you for a hospital stay. During a child's hospitalization, it is especially important to maintain the family unit.
Parents are a primary source of strength and support.
Parents' presence in the hospital will ease their child's anxiety and help him express himself. The hospital should provide 24-hour visiting for parents. The hospital should provide liberal visiting hours for brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends. There should be accommodations for a parent to stay overnight. The staff should allow parents to participate in their child's care, with activities such as changing a diaper, assisting with a bath and helping at mealtime.