How to get there and where to park

What is the visiting policy

Is there parent accommodation on the ward or in the hospital

Is there a parent kitchen available

What supports are available for children with additional needs

Are there supports such as play specialists or play volunteers available?

Who to talk to if your child has food sensitivities/aversions or other issues – Ask about a referral to the dietician.

Use this Getting Ready page and the At The Hospital page to help you plan and know what to expect.

Visit our Hospital Information page where we answer Frequently Asked Questions about some of the hospitals you might visit.

Review the Admission information provided by your hospital and visit the hospital website.

Ask your child’s medical team – make a list of questions to ask if you have pre-admission appointments, or contact the clinic or ward. Wards can be very busy during the day so it can help to call later in the day or in the evening.

Admission letter

Medical history or health passport for longstanding conditions if you have one for your child.

Any medication your child is taking or a list/letter from your GP or pharmacy listing their medications.

Medical card and/or Private Insurance details

Your child’s immunisation record

Details for your GP (they will be sent details after your child’s hospital stay) and local chemist in case a prescription will need to be collected when you return home

Pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers or comfortable shoes

Comfort items such as a favourite teddy or blanket

Age-appropriate activities or games

Hygiene items such as toothbrush and toothpaste, lip-balm, facecloth and towel, soap and shampoo.

Comfortable, light daytime, clothes – it can be warm on the ward.

Underwear or disposable nappies – nappy bags, diaper barrier cream and talc. A waterproof mat for changing on the hospital cot.

Assistive devices or communication tools if required

Staying on the ward One parent can usually stay on the ward with their child overnight in a cot or chair. Blankets and pillows are usually provided by the staff. Intensive care units such as PICU or NICU might have different rules.

Hospital parent accommodation Some hospitals provide parent bedrooms in a location close to the children’s wards. In some hospitals there is a cost for these rooms. Hospital staff have to decide who gets a room depending on the length of stay and reason for stay, if the mother is breastfeeding and how far the family is away from home.

Accommodation provided by charities If your child is receiving care in a hospital in Dublin or Cork, they might be able to stay in free or low cost accommodation provided by charities. Keep scrolling for details.

Where do parents eat? Parents usually have to provide their own meals while their child is in hospital. Try and find out in advance if a parent kitchen is available to use and if the hospital provides items like tea, coffee and toast. Most hospitals provide meal vouchers for breastfeeding mothers to use in the hospital canteen.

Covering the costs – You may be able to claim tax relief on costs such as accommodation or transport, or to request an Additional Needs Payment if you have trouble with these costs while your child is in hospital. If you have private health insurance, ask if daily costs are covered.

If your child has additional needs, make sure the health care team knows. Let them know what their needs are and supports you may need. This may include sensory difficulties, difficulties fasting and waiting, finding procedures or tests very upsetting etc.

Ask what supports are available. This might include supports like a sensory room, play specialists, autism supports etc.

Take a look at our Hospital Information page for additional information about accessibility and sensory supports in some of the hospitals you may visit.

Ask who to talk to if your child has food sensitivities or aversions or special dietary requirements.

Make sure to pack any communication devices/tools, comfort or sensory items your child might need.

It can be useful to create a “Hospital Passport” with information about your child and their needs, how they like to communicate, their likes and dislikes, etc. Mercy University Hospital have created a medical passport for children with complex medical or additional needs which you may find useful.