This page provides information and advice to help you prepare for your child’s outpatient appointment, including tips and ideas on how to support your child during tests and procedures.

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Getting prepared

What is the outpatient department (OPD)

An outpatient department (OPD) or outpatient clinic is the part of a hospital designed for the treatment of outpatients – babies or children who need to go to hospital for diagnosis or treatment, but do not at this time need to be admitted for overnight care in hospital. Outpatient departments offer a wide range of treatment services, diagnostic tests, and minor surgical procedures.

  • Consultants are doctors who are experts on a particular diagnosis or type of medical care. They work in outpatient clinics and also care for children who are admitted to hospital for treatment.

  • You might be referred to a consultant by your GP/primary care doctor after a hospital admission or a trip to the emergency department.

  • Some children will have more than one consultant or may have consultants in different hospitals – this is called shared care. Take a look at the advice and tips parents have shared about shared care between consultants and hospitals here.

Getting there – travel and parking

  • Parking – It’s a good idea to know where to park and what sort of payment is accepted in advance of visiting the hospital. Visit our hospital information page to find out about parking and other useful information you might need about a specific hospital.

  • Leave plenty of extra time in case of delays – hospital car parks can be very busy, and it can be difficult to find parking – you might have to look for alternative parking nearby.

  • Try to arrive about 15 minutes early for your appointment as you may need to complete paperwork.

  • There can be a long walk from parking to your appointment  – having a buggy can be useful!

  • It may be possible to request transport from BUMBLEance – Children’s Ambulance Service who provide transport to and from hospitals all over Ireland (including outpatient appointments) for children who are sick or who have additional needs. They provide transport for long and short trips!

What to bring with you

While every child and appointment will have different requirements, the lists may offer some guidance on what to pack.

For all appointments

  • Appointment letter.

  • A list of medication, medication schedule, dietary supplements etc. that your child takes, as well as any medication that your child may need while at the hospital.

  • Any social welfare or other forms you might need to get signed by hospital staff

  • A list of questions to ask and things you need to tell the doctor.

  • Your child’s medical history or health passport if they have one.

For your baby or child

  • A change of clothes, either with you or in your car.

  • Nappy changing bag with supplies for a full day in case you are delayed.

  • Distraction or comfort items – Activities, iPad, colouring book and pencils, teddy, soother, etc.

  • Your child’s communication tool or device.

  • Snacks. It could be a long day. If your child is having a test or procedure please check that it is ok for them to have a snack.

For parents/carers

  • Notepad and pen – write out your questions and concerns before you go and take notes of what the doctor tells you.

  • Phone charger.

  • A bottle of water and snack.

  • Coins for parking or vending machines – some don’t take cards.

At the appointment

Useful Tips

  • Write notes in advance about things you want the doctor to look out for e.g. things you’ve noticed at home.

  • Don’t let yourself be rushed. Go over your questions and concerns.

  • Make sure you understand what your doctor is telling you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about something you don’t understand or something your doctor hasn’t covered.

  • Ask them to write down the treatment plan, tests and follow up care.

  • Read our tips below on how to support your child during a procedure such as taking blood.

  • It is easy to forget what you are told at a meeting – Take notes or some parents suggest asking can you record what you are told so you can listen back later.

Before leaving the appointment…

Make sure all of your questions have been answered and you have all of the information you need before you leave your appointment. Here are some questions you may need to ask:

  • Is there anyone you need test results or a report to be sent to e.g. GP, other consultants? Write a list of names and contact information in advance.

  • Who do you contact if you have follow-up questions or concerns? There may be a nurse specialist who can answer queries after or between appointments

  • If your child has blood tests, scans or other test, when will you get the results and how will they be sent to you?

  • Do you need to schedule any tests or follow ups? Are they booked?

General appointment tips

  • Read the admission letter  – make sure you know if there are special instructions such as fasting before a test or procedure.

  • Appointments are often only ten to twenty minutes, so it is important to be prepared – write out notes about things you need to tell the doctor and questions you want to ask.

  • Try to find out as much as possible what will happen during the appointment so you can prepare your child e.g. checking height and weight, examination by the doctor, equipment that will be used, planned tests.

  • If your child finds appointments or procedures very stressful ask if supports are available such as a play specialist, sensory or quiet room or any other supports.

  • Bring any forms that need to be signed, or send them in advance.

  • Be prepared in case your hospital visit is longer than expected – sometimes your child will be sent for additional tests such as blood work.

  • Ask if a virtual appointment is an option if the appointment does not include tests or an in-person assessment of your child.

  • Fill in a health passport – For some children it can be useful to create a health passport with information about your child’s diagnosis, treatment history, their likes and dislikes and the child’s needs. You can provide this instead of repeating all this information for different people.

  • Make sure to find out in advance who can attend – most clinics only allow one parent and siblings are generally not allowed.

Top Tip

It is important to prepare your child for appointments and procedures so they know what to expect.
Make sure you read our information about how to support your child before and during appointments and medical procedures

Click here to learn more

Preparing and supporting your child

Involving your child in their healthcare and appointments

Children and teens are often interested in being included in discussions about their health care. Every child will want different information and to be involved in different ways – some will want lots of information or involvement, some won’t and what they want can also change over time. Let your child lead the way in how much information they want and how they want to be involved.

  • Start talking to your child as early as possible about their condition, in words that they understand.
  • Ask your child what they already know or would like to find out.
  • Check back with your child about how much they want to be involved in their health care. All children have a right to be involved, but some might not want this.
  • Be open and honest with your child. This will help build trust and avoid any “surprises” later on.
  • Work with your child and your child’s health-care team to make decisions about health care together.

  • Visit SteppingUp.ie for more advice on involving young people in their healthcare and preparing to move from paediatric to adult healthcare services.

Before you go – Talking to your child about their appointment and tests and procedures

It is important to prepare your child for tests and procedures. The information below is general advice that might help you prepare your child. Every child is different and will want different information –  Ask your child what they want to know and how they want to be involved.

Try to find out as much as you can about what will happen at your child’s hospital admission including what procedures might take place, what equipment might be used, and what supports are available to help reduce your child’s pain or anxiety during tests or procedures. This will help you answer any questions your child might have. You might find this information:

  • In the hospital admission letter or on their website
  • At the pre-admission clinic (if there is one)
  • By ringing the ward – evenings are the best time to call

While it is important to speak to your child about their hospital visit, every child is different and will want different information. Ask them what they want to know and how they want to be involved.

  • Time it right. For younger children, a day or two in advance is soon enough so they don’t start to worry but older children might need a bit more time.
  • Be honest. Don’t tell your child that something will not hurt if you know that it might. Try not to make promises you can’t keep.
  • Use simple language and explanations that your child understands. Too much detail isn’t necessary, unless they ask.
  • Reassure your child that you or someone they love and trust will be with them as much as possible.

Involve Your Child in the Preparation

Ask them how they would like to be involved. Younger children might want to decide which teddy or toy to bring, older children might want to plan how you can help or distract them during a procedure.

These iSupport preparation sheets might be useful in preparing younger children for a hospital visit or procedure.

Check out www.steppingup.ie for information on involving young people and teens in their healthcare planning and medical appointments.

  • Play can be a great way to help your child become comfortable and familiar with what might happen in hospital. Check out these videos about using play to prepare your child.
  • Videos and pictures can be helpful for explaining procedures or equipment they might encounter in hospital. You can check with the hospital or with condition-specific oraganisations to see what resources they have. Check out this useful website with child friendly videos about different tests and procedures you can watch with your child if they want. Make sure to watch the video yourself first so you know what is included.
  • Our KidsHub is an online, interactive journey through a hospital admission that helps to answer some of the questions children might have.

For infants, caregivers provide comfort, but for toddlers and pre-schoolers, let your child help choose toys, books, or blankets that they want to bring to the visit. iPads or phones are useful distractions during procedures. These items can be used to pass the time in the waiting room and can also be used to distract a child during a procedure.

Watch this video to hear from children, parents and professionals about how they prepare at home for tests or procedures

Shared with kind permission from What? Why? Children In Hospital

At the appointment – How to comfort and support your child during a test or procedure

The following section provides general advice about how to support your baby or child during a hospital procedure such as a blood-test or x-ray. This is general advice and you should always discuss your child’s individual needs with an appropriate member of staff.

The information in this section is shared with kind permission from Edgehilll University – Children Coming To Hospital

  • Be positive and encouraging and give your child lots of praise.

  • Talk to your child in a calm voice and try to be calm yourself as they may pick up on your feelings.

  • Don’t tell your child “It will be over soon” or that “It will be okay” as this can make your child feel more anxious.

  • Try not to be distracted by what’s going on  – give your child your full attention.

  • Position yourself where your child can see and/or touch your skin. If possible try to use skin-to-skin contact.

  • Help your child choose a comfortable position for the procedure. You may be asked to help keep them still by sitting with them, cuddling or holding them. It is ok if you don’t want to hold them, but would like to stay.

  • If your child cries, let them know it’s ok to feel upset. If they become very upset, you can ask the staff if the procedure can be paused or stopped.