Children are welcome to visit the critical care department; however you may need to give this some thought before they visit.
We realise that having a friend or relative in critical care can be stressful for the whole family. Children in particular may have questions about why their relative is missing from family life.
Should I allow my child to visit?
This can be a hard decision for parents or carers to make. You may be unsure if it will harm or benefit your child—your decision may depend upon the age of the child, the condition of your relative and your child’s desire to visit.
Children over the age of four can find visiting a sick relative helpful as it:
- Increases their understanding and involvement in their relative’s illness
- Reduces their feelings of separation and fear
However, do not force your child to visit if they do not wish to. The nursing staff and doctors caring for your relative will also be able to advise you and provide you with practical suggestions to manage a visit, but the decision is yours.
Age related considerations
Infants –they have a small risk of picking up an infection in critical care. Should the baby start to cry it would be best to leave critical care.
Toddlers and children aged 3 to 6 years
They may want to see close relatives who are in critical care but they may not be able to understand and may find the experience upsetting. If you decide that they should visit, an adult should explain, in simple terms, what they will see before and during the visit.
Children of this age may wish to draw a picture for their relative that can be kept at their bedside. The visit should last a few minutes.
School-aged children
Should be able to visit, but will need the situation explained to them. They should be encouraged to ask questions before and during the visit and any misunderstandings can be cleared up. The visit should be a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes.
Adolescents
Should be able to visit. Although they may understand the situation, it is important that they are supported by an adult and encouraged to ask questions to clear up any misunderstandings.
I don’t want my child to visit
If you prefer that your child does not visit, please try to involve them by drawing a picture, or recording a message that can be played to their relative.
If your child asks questions explain to them simply what is happening e.g. “Grandad is in hospital as he is feeling very ill and is sleeping a lot, that’s why you haven’t been round to his house to see him.”
How can I support them?
- Talk to them before their visit about what to expect—the environment of critical care, how their relative may look, the strange smells and about the staff working there.
- Make the visit about spending time with the family.
- Be prepared for questions they may ask—talk to the staff about this if you need to.
- Talk about the visit and your relatives’ illness once you have returned home. Your child may have questions or may wish to talk through the experience with you.
- Make sure that your child’s school or nursery is aware that you have a very sick relative. They can provide extra support.
We have resources to help prepare children -please ask the nurse in charge for these.
General advice
- Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Children should only visit immediate family members, such as parents, siblings or grandparents.
- Please keep small children in their pushchairs or sitting on a seat.
- Let the staff know when you will visit—we can then keep waiting to a minimum.
- Visits by children should be kept to 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
- Bring some activities e.g. colouring in and try to come with another person who will be able to occupy your child in the waiting room if need be.
Do’s and Do not’s
Do
- Always remove outside jackets
- Always wash your hands when entering and leaving
Do not
- Allow children to play with equipment, tubing or wires
- Allow children to sit on the bed, but they will be able to hold hands or give their relative a cuddle (ask your nurse to help with this)
- Bring in children who are not up to date with their immunisations
- Bring in children who are unwell or have any signs of infection – this is a big risk to patients
Contact information
Critical Care Unit
Critical Care Unit
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
