CHOC Children's - Your Hospital Stay

YOUR HOSPITAL STAY

While your child is in the hospital, we will work closely with you to create a warm, compassionate environment while providing excellent medical care. As a parent of a child at CHOC, you are an important part of the team working to make your son or daughter well. You are a source of information, security, and comfort to your child in unfamiliar surroundings. Your presence in the hospital is very important to your child and to us, we will be here to answer your questions and help you play an active role in your child’s care.

Please Note:
Due to the start of the influenza season and the widespread transmission of novel H1N1 Influenza A virus (swine flu) in our community, CHOC is taking extra precautions to protect the health and safety of our patients. New visitor restrictions are currently in place that permit only parents/legal guardians to visit, while all other visitors will not be allowed until further notice.

We apologize for any inconveniences caused by these visitor restrictions, and truly appreciate your partnership in helping us to protect all of the children and families we serve on our campus. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

	Hello Hospital Program Hello Hospital is a program designed to help reduce patient and family fears prior to their scheduled procedure. A Recreation Therapist/Child Life Specialist will introduce future patients and their families to the hospital environment, procedures, and equipment with the goal of reducing the child’s anxieties.

	Visiting the Hospital Find maps & directions, construction updates and information on our visiting hours and visitation policy.

	A Guide for Parents of a Hospitalized Child Children are bound to feel anxious and fearful when they enter the unfamiliar atmosphere of a hospital, and they depend on their parents to reassure them and help them keep their spirits up as they go through treatment.

	Medical Records, Medical Insurance and Billing Information Information about obtaining medical records, medical billing, affiliated medical groups and health plans accepted by CHOC and CHOC at Mission

	Sending Gifts and Communicating with Patients Find ways to keep in touch with patients in the hospital. Send patient email or create your very own patient web site.

	Child Life Through the hospital's Child Life program, children are provided emotional and developmental support to help minimize the anxiety they might be experiencing. In cheerful playrooms, they enjoy a variety of toys, create works of art and culinary masterpieces, and even visit with pets through the Pet Therapy Program. Children are also encouraged to gain an understanding of their hospital experiences through medical play and preparation.

	Additional Patient & Family Services Find information about our Playrooms, Meditation Room, the Ronald McDonald House and other convenience services..

	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.

	Radio Lollipop Radio Lollipop is a fully equipped radio studio housed in the hospital's main lobby and run by a team of volunteers who involve patients in recreational activities linked to radio programs that are child-focused. Volunteer deejays play "Top 40" hits and children's favorites, take call-in requests, and put patients "on air" from the bedside or in the studio.

	Patient Rights and Responsibilities We believe everyone deserves special treatment and high quality health care. You and your family have rights and responsibilities under California law. We want you to understand and use these rights and responsibilities.

	Patient Safety Statement With the increasing national and public focus on patient safety, CHOC participates in multiple initiatives to remain innovative in protecting our young patients from medical errors.

	Parent Advice Line CHOC Children's is happy to present you with our Parent Advice Line (PAL). This automated service provides you with immediate information on children's health topics when you need it: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

	Pharmacy CHOC Children's has both Inpatient and Outpatient pharmacy services staffed by professionals specially trained to understand the complexities of pediatric health care.

	Reach Out and Read® At all of CHOC’s primary care clinics, Reach Out and Read® is there to promote the importance of early literacy.

	Social Services The trained professional social workers at CHOC Children's recognize the impact of illness on patients and their families.

	Support Groups Support group meetings are opportunities for people to discuss their feelings, meet other people who are having similar experiences and share relevant information. Guest lectures, topic presentations, and open discussion are available.

	Parking & Valet The hospital’s designated parking structures may be accessed off LaVeta Avenue via Pepper Street or off Main Street via Providence Avenue. Valet parking is available for a nominal fee.