Paediatrics

The Paediatric Ward is a twelve bed facility, with a cartoon friendly environment that renders services to children ranging from new born-infancy to sixteen (16) years of age. We provide nursing care to all patients with medical, surgical, gynaecological and orthopaedic conditions. We have a dedicated team of nurses and doctors, whose aim is to provide optimum nursing care during your child’s stay in the hospital.

Our goal on the Pediatric ward is to ensure that the best possible care is given throughout this emotionally stressful period. We also strive to offer family centered care in order to minimize the effects of separation anxiety on the child, and to maintain familiarity. To ensure that the child is comfortable, we encourage the parent/caregiver to stay with the child, and actively participate in the care of the child.

VISITING
The mother/female guardian of the patient is allowed to stay with the child for 24 hour a day, especially if the child is being breast fed. Mothers who are overnighting should be on the ward by 10:00 p.m. SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION IS NOT PROVIDED. Mothers who are sleeping in are expected to awake in the morning, fold up their linen and be ready to participate in the care of their child and to see the doctor.

The father is allowed to visit during the day, however he will not be allowed to overnight with the child. He must leave the ward by 10:00 p.m.

Parents are advised to visit at least once a day. Parents are asked to refrain from using the patients’ toilet facilities.

Other relatives and friends can visit during the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. Persons visiting out of allowed time must request permission from the nurse in charge of the shift.

Please Note:
– Children less than 8 years of age are not allowed to visit patients on the ward.
– Parents & relatives must wash their hands before attending to infants.
– Parents & relatives should speak to the nurse before visiting the patient.
– Siblings over eight years are allowed to visit but will not be allowed to stay overnight.

WARD ROUNDS
When the child is admitted to the ward, the parent / guardian should remain with the child until he / she is reviewed by the Doctor.

Immunization cards and all medications that the child is taking MUST be brought in to be seen by the Doctor on the ward.

Your child will be reviewed by the paediatricians during the daily ward rounds, doctors will speak with the parents / guardians during ward round, i.e., between the hours of 8:30a.m. to 11:00a.m., daily. The surgeons also review patients on the paediatric ward, daily, but the time may vary, due to commitments on the surgical ward.

MEALS
Meals for the children are provided by the hospital kitchen, although parents may bring snacks for the children. Parents should consult with nursing staff before feeding the child with food bought from home. Food and snacks must NOT be left at patient’s bedside. They will be labelled and place in the pantry or fridge. NB Certain snacks are not allowed on the ward these are: nuts, popcorn, corn curls, cheese sticks, chips etc.

Parents of infants should bring in formula and pampers for their babies.
Mothers of infants less than six months of age are encouraged to breastfeed.

Milk formulas must NOT be mixed on the ward. Formulas must be mixed in the pantry at all times.

Parents are not allowed in the pantry to mix feeds. Nurses will mix the feeds.

DISCHARGE PROCEDURES
Most patients are given appointments to attend the clinic on discharge from hospital. Parents should review their child’s medication with the nurse on discharge from hospital. When the child is discharged, please ensure that you take all your child’s belongings, including medications and clinic appointments.

GENERAL POLICIES

• Parents are asked to wait outside of the ward in the morning while the ward is being cleaned and mopped.
• Children may wear casual clothes during day time hours.
• Parents are encouraged to bring books/toys for their children, to help make their stay less traumatic.
• Jewelry and other valuables are not allowed and will be removed on admission.
• It is recommended that cell phones be turned down or put on vibrate.
• Noise and speech should be kept at a minimum
• Cell phones, iPods, or laptops etc. left with your child on the ward, are
  at your own risk. The staff will not be responsible for any property
  left on the ward.
• Parents are encouraged to take care of their child’s basic needs, including nappy change and feeding. Nurse may enquire of feeds and nappy change in order to record same.
• The television will be turned off at 9:00 p.m. or at the discretion of the nurse.
• Smoking is prohibited on the ward and the vicinity of the hospital.
• Information about other patients are strictly confidential.