Paediatrics

 

St John of God Hospital Warrnambool appreciates that children have special needs. The following are just some of the ways we can make both children and parents feel more relaxed, comfortable and confident during a child's hospital stay.

Pre-admission

To help reduce any fear your child may have about hospitalisation, we are happy to organise a pre-admission visit. Please contact the
pre-admission office for a suitable time. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child during the pre-operative and recovery stage.

Going to theatre

In most circumstances, you will be able to accompany your child into theatre and stay with them before the anaesthetic is given. When your child is taken into the operating theatre, you will be asked to wait in another area of the hospital. 

Children can wear their own freshly laundered loose cotton pyjamas or nightie, and can bring their favourite toy or dummy.

What to bring

• Any special toy, blanket or video that may provide an important link to home for your child
• For a child with a disability, please bring any specialised equipment they require
• For babies, please bring their Maternal & Child Health book, formula and bottles if used, nappies, dummy or comfort object
• The hospital does have books, games (including a Sony Playstation), DVD players and movies to help amuse older children

Diet

If you are breastfeeding your baby, you are encouraged to continue and stay with your child even though feeding patterns may be disrupted. Meals are supplied for a parent boarding with an infant.

We provide a special menu for children and special diets can be catered for. Please do not give your child any drink or food if ‘NIL ORALLY’ is written above their bed. Meals may be ordered, at a nominal fee, for a patient's relatives.