Things to Bring
Things to bring from home:
What help is available?
Most hospitals have a team of experienced social workers and psychologists who can help further with any specific practical problems. These might include considering alterations to your home environment, helping you think about child care arrangements, working with siblings on emotional responses to illness in the family, and a range of other factors including advocacy, referral and liaison with community services as well as emotional and psychological support.
Financial advice/help
Families who receive benefits or who are on a low income may be entitled to claim some travel costs back.
Further financial help may be available through the hospital or insurance. A hospital’s social work department will be able to advise you and may, in certain circumstances, be able to offer limited financial help during a child’s inpatient stay.
Parking
Some hospitals have free parking and others have paid parking. Be sure to contact the hospital ahead of time to inquire about parking fees and possible free parking passes available to help offset cost. Everything quickly adds up and it’s best to find and accept any financial support available.
