The Hospital Experience

A hospital can be a scary place for children. The more they are familiar with the hospital environment, the more comfortable they will feel. At The CHOC Cancer Institute, our goal is to make patients who are hospitalized and families as comfortable as possible. The following are some things you should know:

Tour of Hospital

Prior to a child’s hospitalization or obtaining outpatient services in our Cancer Clinic, patients and families will have the opportunity to tour The CHOC Cancer Institute facilities at CHOC. For the Outpatient Cancer Clinic, families are given a comprehensive tour of the area, learn about treatment hours, meet the staff and can ask any questions. Children will be able to touch the equipment and will be given age-appropriate information about how it is used.

Patients who will be hospitalized will have the opportunity to tour our inpatient unit. Our special “Hello Hospital” tour allows families to come in and see the facility, including admitting, the laboratory, the inpatient unit (including the playrooms, patient rooms and nursing desk). They also meet the staff and can ask questions.

What You Will Need

When you arrive at CHOC for hospitalization, we suggest you bring records of your child’s history and physical; slippers, any comfort items that your child might want (stuffed animal/blanket/toy/pacifier); books and/or magazines to keep you occupied while your child sleeps; a sippy cup or bottle if your child typically uses one.

Hospital Stay

Parents have 24-hour visitation privileges to see their children, and one parent can sleep at the bedside. Cots and sleep chairs are available for use. If you have special accommodation needs, please speak to your nurse. Our goal is to be as accommodating as possible.

Housing Arrangements

Parents who live far away from CHOC can make arrangements to stay at The Ronald McDonald House through our Social Services Department. There are also apartments and other lodging available for family members. A social worker can help you make arrangements to stay in these lodgings.

When You Go Home

Your child’s discharge planning begins right at admission. Our case managers will make all the necessary home care arrangements and help parents/caregivers arrange the next steps. Parents will receive education about taking care of central lines and other vascular access devices. Additionally, the case manager will arrange for a home health care nurse visit or extended visits, depending on patient need. We also make sure that patients have their follow-up appointments already scheduled before they leave the hospital. Prescriptions will be provided before the patient is discharged, and can be filled either at CHOC or a local pharmacy. Parents also receive explicit instructions on signs of possible illness that should be checked such as high fever, chills and vomiting. Family members are always welcome to call The CHOC Institute at any time with medical questions. We have a doctor on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.