Preparing for Your Child's Visit

If Your Child is Hospitalized

As the parent or guardian of a child who is hospitalized, we appreciate your concern and welcome the reassurance and support that only you can give to your child. We will do all that we can to make your child’s stay as comfortable as possible, and encourage you to bring your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket or pillow to the hospital.

Please feel free to ask any questions regarding the care and treatment of your child both during and after hospitalization. Please remember that is important for you to try to conserve your energy during your child’s hospital stay and get your rest as well.

What you need to Know When Your Child is in the Hospital

Visiting

Parents may visit their child at any time. Siblings may visit for short periods of time, under adult supervision from 9:00am – 9:00pm. Visiting hours for friends or relatives (other than parents) are from 9:00am – 9:00pm daily.

Staying Overnight with Your Child

If you are unable to stay overnight with your child, you may send one person designated to take your place.

A reclining chair, pillows and blankets are provided for the parent spending the night. We suggest that you wear comfortable street clothes for nightwear. A guest shower is located on the unit for your convenience.

Food

Visitors are welcome to use the hospital cafeteria located on the ground floor of the Wallace Pavilion. Cafeteria is open between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and beginning at 11:30 am on weekends and Holidays.

Breakfast:   7:30 am – 10:30 am (except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when Cafeteria opens at 11:30am)
Lunch:   11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Dinner:   4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
 

Coin-operated vending machines offering a variety of fresh foods, and beverages are available 24-hours a day 7 days a week in the snack center located on the ground floor of the Wallace Pavilion, near the Cafeteria.

Patient / Family Pantry

There is a patient/family Pantry available for use by patients on pediatrics. The pantry, fully equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and refreshments is open around the clock. Parents are welcome to store special snacks and treats in the refrigerator as well as help themselves to coffee / tea, condiments, etc. provided as a courtesy to families. We ask that use of the pantry be limited to the patient and immediate family.

As you make yourself at home, please respect the pantry rules and regulations posted on the door of the refrigerator.

For medical reasons, please check with a nurse before giving food to your child that has been brought into the hospital.

Balloons

Mylar balloons are permitted on the unit, however, for safety reasons, latex balloons are not.

Television

Television service is provided free for all children on pediatrics. TV viewing should be limited based on the child’s condition and other circumstances. Rest periods should be encouraged. A VCR, videotapes and portable Nintendo are available on the floor for patient use.

Telephone

A patient’s room may be called by dialing 666-1 + room number. You may call out by dialing 9 + number. For long distance calls, you will need to follow the voice prompt for calling cards or collect calls. The Pediatric Nursing station number is 666-1049. Parents may call the nursing station at any time, but we ask that friends and relatives refrain from using this number except in the event of an emergency.

Children’s Playroom

The children’s playroom is located at the end of the hall and is intended for pediatric patients. Check with your nurse to make sure a visit to the playroom is appropriate. The area is furnished with toys that can be played with in the playroom or in your child’s room. Toys brought to your child’s room need to be cleaned after your child’s use, so please let us know when finished. Tidying up the playroom after playing is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Peter Richel is Chief of Pediatrics at Northern Westchester Hospital.