Parking – Make sure you know where to park and what sort of payment is accepted. Visit our hospital information page for important information about each of the hospitals you might visit.

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 use other parking nearby.

Try to arrive about 15 minutes early for your appointment in case you 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!

Appointment letter

List of medication, medication schedule, dietary supplements, etc. and any medicines your child may need during the day.

Any forms you need to get signed e.g social welfare, DCA etc.

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.

Have a change of clothes for your child 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 for you and your child. If your child is having a test or procedures make sure it is ok for them to have a snack.

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

Phone charger

Bottle of water and snack

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

Call the office in advance and let them know your child has additional needs that can make waiting and appointments difficult. Ask what supports are available and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need to make your appointment go as smoothly as possible.

Ask if it is possible to schedule your appointment at the beginning or end of the day –  the waiting room might be less crowded and overwhelming and there might less waiting.

Ask if a second parent or extra support person is allowed attend.

Ask if there is there a sensory room or a quiet space available for waiting?

Tell the doctor or nurse what your child needs or expects. For example explaining or demonstrating what they are going to do first.

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

Create a “Hospital Passport” with information about your child and their needs, how they like to communicate, their likes and dislikes – ask the doctor or nurse to look at this first. Mercy University Hospital in Cork have created a medical passport for children with complex medical or additional needs which you may find useful.