You’ll likely meet quite a few people during your hospital stay or visit. Doctors at the RHCYP 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!
Porters: 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.
