Staying on a ward

If you need to stay overnight in a ward, you are an ‘in-patient’.  When you arrive at your ward and check-in, a nurse will show you where to go and explain what will happen that day.  You might have your own room with a bathroom or share a small area with other young people like you.  There will be a toilet and bathroom near to your bed, and space to keep your belongings during your stay.  Whatever happens, we will make sure you feel safe, comfortable and well-cared-for.

Your bed will have curtains that you can pull round if you want some privacy.  At your bed, you will have a personal TV, along with a light and a call button in case you need the nurse to come over.  Your parents or carers can stay with you at any time. They might have a bed next to yours or stay in our dedicated family accommodation on the top floor.  If you need to talk to someone during your stay, ask your ward nurses to put you in touch with the Spiritual Care team, or one of the ECHC Youth Workers based in the Hub.  They are here to support you through your stay in the hospital, build positive relationships through listening and make sure your voice is heard during your time on the ward.

Who you might meet

It is likely that you’ll meet quite a few people during your hospital stay or visit.  Doctors at the RHCYP and St. John’s Hospital are trained to look after young people who come to the hospital.  You may see a Consultant, who is a specialist. You may also see doctors training in a particular speciality – or sometimes medical students as well. Nurses are also specially-trained to look after young people. They will check to see how you are feeling and help you if you need anything.   Different nurses might wear different coloured uniforms – or sometimes scrubs, because they work in theatres or surgical areas. Pharmacists get any medicine you need ready for you and are sometimes seen on the wards. Surgeons carry out operations. You might meet a surgeon if you're having surgery.  Anaesthetists put you to sleep when you have an operation and look after you during your time in theatre.  Play specialists work on every ward at the RHCYP in Edinburgh and the Children’s Ward at St. John’s Hospital. They can help you understand about any tests or checks that you’ll have in hospital, can show you pieces of equipment and help you know what to expect. They also have some brilliant toys, games and art! Therapists like Dieticians, who help children with food or nutrition, Physiotherapists who help with balance or moving your body, Speech and Language specialists who help children to communicate, talk, speak or swallow and Occupational Therapists can help children recover safely at home or get back to school.  Therapists can visit children on their ward, or might see you at a clinic or by making an appointment for a special visit. Porters: they take you from place to place in the hospital if you need help getting around, for example from your ward for an x-ray and back again. Lots of other people work in a hospital too!  Our teams of cleaners, catering staff serving meals or snacks, receptionists on the welcome desk and on the ward, or volunteers in their purple or red t-shirts all play a really important part in helping children when they come to hospital.

Things to do

If you’re feeling well, you might want to visit the play area on your ward or have some fresh air in one of the outside courtyard areas.  If you need to stay in bed, our play therapists, artists or dancers can come and visit you.  Each ward has a choice of games, art resources and other things to keep you busy, suitable for all ages. If you’re well enough to visit the restaurant or café, your parent or another adult can let staff on the ward know that you’re going for a snack or a walk.  There are some wonderful pictures, sculptures and pieces of artwork all around the RHCYP – see what you can find!  Down in the Hub on the Ground Floor, the team from ECHC have space to make a drink, for families to meet away from the ward, and arrange plenty of fun activities around the hospital – like art groups, movie nights or visits from musicians or dancers.  Nearby you’ll also see the Radio Lollipop studio – they can give you a shout out or play a request.