About Your Hospital Visit
Your child is a V.I.P. - Very Important Person - to us. While your child is at Children's Hospital, we will abide by our Patient and Family Rights & Responsibilities document and provide care and service that exceeds your needs and expectations. We also recommend you download our mobile app for quick access to hospital news, events, daily cafeteria menus, our interactive symptom checker and more.
Preparing for Your Visit
Information the hospital will need includes your child's name, address and health insurance information. Also required are your child's Social Security number and the doctor's order for the exam. A parent's or guardian's signature is required for exams and sedation for children under the age of 18. A previous medical history, a list of allergies and names/dosages of current medications are also helpful at the time of admission. Obviously, for an emergency visit, this information is not the first priority, but it will be necessary at a later time. We also recommend that you fill out an authorization to obtain medical treatment form in case of an emergency.
Interpretation services are available for non-English speaking patient families and for patient families with hearing impairment.
When preparing to be admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay, bring anything from home that will make the patient comfortable, including stuffed animals or a favorite toy. All foods and formulas will be provided for the patient at the hospital.
Remember to pack lightly and leave valuables at home. Here are a few items that a parent might consider packing for the visit:
For your child:
- Personal items such as toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.
- A change of clothes, including a favorite pair of pajamas
- A favorite movie (all rooms have DVD players)
- A special stuffed animal or blanket or other comfort item
- Anything else that you think would comfort your child during his or her visit
For parents:
- Personal items and a change of clothes
- Phone numbers and email addresses (to update family on the patient's condition)
- A book or magazine to pass time
- A pillow
- Spare change or small bills (for late night snacks from vending machines)
- A laptop computer, if desired (patient rooms have wireless internet access)
Amenities
As a children’s hospital, we have a duty to provide patients with the highest quality care and offer their family members amenities to help them relax and stay calm while their child receives treatment. Our patient and visitor services are designed for a family-friendly atmosphere. While some amenities may be temporarily restricted during COVID times, typically patient rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi access, TVs and DVD players, a sleep couch, and a communal play room and kitchen for the floor.
Our colorful and cheerful Gift Shop is located in the hospital's main lobby. It has a huge selection of gifts that will brighten the day of your favorite patient.
The Children's Hospital Cafeteria is located on the ground floor of the hospital and accepts cash and credit cards.
The Clayton Café is located on the 2nd floor of our South Tower and offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, snacks and beverages.
