How to prepare a child for a hospital stay & what to pack

How long is the average length of hospital stay in the UK?

Between 2010 to 2019, the average length of a hospital stay for acute care in the UK hadn't really changed that significantly. In 2010, the average length was 6.1 days, but by 2019 it was 6.2 days. The COVID pandemic may have skewed those figures in 2020, with the average length of a hospital stay coming down to4.5 days.

How can I prepare my child for hospital stay?

The key to preparing your child for a hospital stay is to talk to them on their level. You know your child best, and you know how to tailor your explanations to their age and level of understanding. Here are some specific hints fromGreat Ormond Street Hospital, about preparing children of different ages for a hospital stay:

•       Talk to your child using simple, easy to understand language
•       Be honest and tell them as much as you can
•       Let them pack their own bag for hospital
•       Keep to as normal routine as possible
•       Encourage your child to ask questions
•       Distract your child to make the experience positive

Encouraging your child to ‘be brave' doesn't always work. Instead, let them know that it's okay to feel sad or scared. Allowing them to express themselves and talk about their feelings is a healthy way to help them cope.

What information should I gather before speaking to my child? 

It's important to find out as much information as possible from the staff at the hospital before you speak to your child. You could ask your nurse, doctor, or the patient advice and liaison agent about what your child can expect. Here's some advice:

• Talk about your feelings together 
• Provide honest information 
• Get the answers to your own questions and encourage them to ask their own
• Learn about tests, procedures and treatment plans
• Talk with the doctor about any procedures and plans 
• Let them know who will be staying with them 

What should I tell my child before they come to hospital?

You should try to tell your child as much information as possible before they come to hospital. Be open and honest, and speak to them on their level with language they can understand. Tell them that it's okay to feel scared, and encourage them to open up about their feelings, even if they feel upset or angry. 

If they are too worried or anxious, try using a teddy or toy as a substitute. Ask how teddy is feeling about having to stay at hospital rather than your child directly. The staff will try to reduce the stress and anxiety for you as much as possible, which should also help alleviate some of the worried feelings for both you and your child. 

How to prepare infants and toddlers for a hospital stay

If your child is very young, you may be worried that they won't understand what's going on. It's important to talk to them about their hospital stay, but we recommend doing this a day or two before the experience. You should also: 

• Bring comforting items from home, such as blankets and stuffed animals
• Keep their routine as normal as possible
• Keep explanations and language simple
• Reassure your child that you'll be with them when you can
• Allow them to choose their favourite items to bring during their stay
• Read books with them about going to the hospital

At this age, your child may struggle with separation from caregivers, change in diet and sleep patterns, and unfamiliar surroundings and people. Try to provide comfort, keep explanations and language simple and reassure them whenever you can.

How to prepare pre-school children for a hospital stay

A preschool child may also have issues with diet restrictions, routine changes, separation from caregivers and being in an unfamiliar environment with strangers. Luckily, it may be easier to explain some basic things about their stay at this age. Talk to them 3-5 days before their hospital stay to give them enough time to process the information.

• Use simple terms and concrete explanations without too much detail
• Use words for body parts and functions that are simple and familiar
• Talk to them openly and honestly to make them feel included
• Give them lots of opportunities to ask questions
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings
• Reassure them that they didn't do anything to cause the experience
• Let them bring their favourite things from home
• Read books about going to the hospital

At this age, you could also provide them with an opportunity to participate in some healthcare play. For example, they could play with a toy doctor's kit, or use bandages on their favourite toys. 

How to prepare junior school children for a hospital stay 

Issues that may come up for school children are similar to those that come up for younger children, although they will have the added complication of time away from school. Here's how to prepare junior school children for a stay in hospital: 

• Talk to them openly, honestly and in simple terms
• Always include them in the experience
• Do some research to prepare for any questions they might have
• Explain to them why their hospital stay is necessary
• Talk to them about how they can talk about their stay with friends
• Focus on the positive benefits their stay or procedure might have

Your child may struggle with a loss of privacy and independence at this stage. They may also find it hard to miss time away from friends, sports and school. This is why it's important to talk to them as you plan for admission, so that they can take time to process everything. When deciding what kids should pack for the hospital, a lot of parents get their child involved with the decision, which helps them feel a little more in control.  

How to prepare teenagers and young adults for a hospital stay 

Teenagers already face a lot of challenges and pressures and needing treatment at hospital can add an extra level of stress for them. Although talking is important, teenagers may find it hard to express their feelings or worries. The most important thing to remember is:

• Communicate with them as much as possible about appointments and plans
• Reassure them that no concern or question is unimportant or silly
• Encourage them to talk, or write down their concerns
• Encourage them to stay in touch with friends and family
• Keep them involved with any decisions that may affect them

Above all else, if you don't know the answer to a question, be honest. It may reassure them that you don't have all the answers. It's also important that you tell them that you'll try to find out the answers to their questions if possible.

When should I speak to my child?

Your child's age may be an important factor in determining when to talk to them about their hospital stay. If your child is under 3, for example, you should talk to them just a few days before they are due to be admitted. If they're a teenager, you should talk to them at least one week before.

What questions might my child ask?

We all know that children absorb information like sponges, and if they don't have enough information, they'll inevitably ask questions. A hospital stay may be a completely new experience for them, which means they may have lots of questions about it. Here are some of the questions they might ask:

• Why do I have to go to the hospital?
• Who will be with me?
• Will it hurt?
• Will I look different?
• When can I come home? 

It's important to find out as much information from the medical professionals who are caring for your child, so that you can answer any questions they might have. If you don't know the answer to their questions, it's important to be as honest as possible and tell them that you don't know. 

What should I do if my child reacts negatively? 

It's understandable for your child to be frightened and stressed by a hospital stay. They might be worried that their operation or procedure might hurt, or they could be feeling uncomfortable at the prospect of being with new people. Often, they'll have no control over their own reactions, but if they do react negatively, here's how you can help them cope:

• Don't expect them to ‘behave' when they go into hospital
• Don't shout at them or punish them for feeling scared or sad
• Do play with them while they're at hospital
• Do read uplifting, or ‘feel good' stories and fairy tales together
• Do watch a video, or play a game together
• Do talk to them about their feelings
• Don't refuse to answer their questions 

Above all else, let them express their fear or sadness, and reassure them by telling them that you are there for them. Talk to them quietly if they are having a temper tantrum, and provide plenty of hugs and physical contact. 

What should I pack for child's hospital stay?

It's likely that you would have received a letter with details about your child's hospital stay, but if you're wondering what to take to hospital for your child, here are a few ideas: 

• Extra clothes, nappies pyjamas
• Dressing gown or fleece top
• Day and night clothes
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and other wash things
• Special teddies or comforters (label with your child's name)
• Any medication your child is taking
• Milk and bottles, if they're on milk
• Any special equipment
• Food for yourself and any special feed for them

The list of what to pack for a child's hospital stay will vary depending on the age of your child. For example, what to take to hospital for baby might revolve around milk and bottles, comforters and nappies. What to take in a hospital bag for a teenager might be clothes, books and technology. 

What should I do if my child has specific requirements?

It's always important to speak to the nurse about any requirements your child may have. Staff will have up to date training and knowledge to meet any specific requirements, including dietary, religious, medical, or practical. They'll always do their best to accommodate if possible.

Can I stay with my child throughout their hospital stay?

Yes. You can usually stay with your child during their hospital stay. Ask the hospital staff to arrange an extra bed or mattress, or talk to them about nearby accommodation you can use while your child stays at the hospital. However, staying in hospital with your child may only be possible for one parent. 

Can I leave my child at the hospital? 

Under certain circumstances, you may have to leave your child alone at the hospital. This may leave you feeling a little scared, and even guilty. You absolutely can leave your child at the hospital alone, if necessary. They will be under the care and attention of hospital staff, and they can contact you about any developments if needed.

What should I do if mine or my child's surgery is delayed?

When you've done everything you can to prepare physically and mentally for a procedure, a delayed surgery can be heartbreaking. Unfortunately, with over 6.6 million people waiting for treatment, delayed surgeries are quite common.

If a surgery is delayed, reassure your child that the delay is only temporary. Hospital staff will reschedule surgeries as soon as possible, and you could ask staff if there is anything you can do to help your child in the meantime. 

What should I do if something goes wrong?

Although most medical staff and hospitals take patient care very seriously, things can still go wrong. Seek medical assistance if you or your child are experiencing any signs of complications, and try to understand what happened. 

If you feel that a health or medical professional has failed in their duty of care, this would constitute medical negligence. This may include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment or surgical error. In cases like these, you should speak to one of our specialist advisors as soon as you feel ready. 

Can I claim compensation for medical errors, delays or surgical complications?

If your child has suffered harm due to hospital negligence, it can be heartbreaking for both your child and the whole family. You can make a hospital negligence claim on behalf of your child any time until their 18th birthday.

How do I find out if I have a hospital negligence claim?

If you're unsure whether you might have a paediatric negligence claim, contact us on to speak to one of our friendly and supportive advisors. You can also start your claim online today or request a callback at a more convenient time.