NHS Lothian and its partners work together with children, young people and their families and carers to deliver the best possible care. Support for the whole family during difficult times is an important part of that care. The RHCYP has a Family Support corridor on the ground floor, next to the Radio Lollipop studio, through the main Outpatients ‘pod’ waiting area. Many of the family support services on offer are coordinated from here or can be brought to you on your child’s ward.
Our family support includes help with benefits advice and finances, support with travel and transport costs, accommodation for parents, advocacy or a listening ear away from the busy ward. Our Family Support services are here to help.
Family Support at the RHCYP
Our Family Support office is based in the Family Support corridor on the ground floor. You can call them on 0131 312 0366 (Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm) or ask a member of your child’s nursing team, or a play specialist to put you in touch. They can also come to see you on the ward.
Family Support can help coordinate help after an emergency admission, including clothing or toiletries where a child is admitted to the hospital at short notice, direct you towards financial support and link families with other services to support them when a child is spending time in hospital. Outside of usual working hours, your child’s nursing teams can also arrange help after an emergency admission.
Family Support at St. John’s Hospital
Please speak with your child’s nursing team about Family Support at St John’s Hospital, or help with specific things.
There is a Learning Disability Nurse Specialist working with children and their families, and the Spiritual Care team can be found on the ground floor, close to the shop.
Each bed space in the children’s ward has space for a parent or family member to stay overnight with their child.
