Dr Ranj's Hospital Top Tips

Dr Ranj has put together his top tips for parents whose little ones are about to go through a hospital procedure.

Over the years, I’ve learned that when small children come to hospital, they experience a number of things: they feel unwell because of their condition, they don’t understand what is going to or may happen to them and why, and they are scared it will hurt. These are things which can all make them anxious.

This is where preparation and play really come into their own, and is something everyone can do.

1. Explain

Child's hands drawing a heart on a piece of paper and a graphic showing an adult talking to a child

Explain in simple terms what the procedure is that they are having done - something like drawing pictures can be a real help.

2. Highlight

Father looking over his daughters shoulder while she colours in a picture

Explain why going through a procedure is important to them. Making it relevant for them individually can help get them on board.

3. Explore

Two children sat reading a book together and a graphic of a magnifying glass

Get them exploring the illness or body system that's involved, e.g. colouring in pictures or reading about what it does. That way they can understand the importance better.

4. Practice/Prepare

A little girl kneeling over a teddy bear and holding a stethoscope

If it’s a test or procedure, pretend to do it at home before they go in. Why not make your own pretend X-rays, or pretend to do a scan on their favourite teddy? This way they can be better prepared and know what to expect.

5. Reassure

Child looking sad and an older lady reassuring him

Be honest about discomfort - if it’s going to hurt, then tell them but don’t scare them. However, explain that it may be nothing like they think, and we will do everything we can to prevent it being painful! Also, having a distraction during uncomfortable procedures can be a real help.

6. X-rays

An X Ray of an adult handing reaching out to a child's hand and a graphic of an X-ray

When having an X-ray, get them making their own pretend X-ray pictures showing the inside of their body.

7. CT scans

Close up of a little girl laying still on her back

If it’s a CT scan they’re having, do a pretend scan at home and see how long they can stay still for or scan their favourite toy.

8. NG tube

A diagram of a child's body with an Nasogastric tube running through the nose and into the stomach

Nasogastric tube insertion is a tricky procedure to explain, so you could trace the path of the tube as it travels through the nose and digestive system. It’s like a mini adventure inside them!

9. Fractures

Childs hand with a skeleton hand over the top and a graphic showing a hand in a plaster cast

Lots of children suffer fractures, so get them to learn about the skeleton and how it mends itself if they have to have a plaster cast.

10. Congenital heart problems

Little girl holding a life like model of a human heart

Children with congenital heart disease may have to undergo several scans, so showing them how the heart is put together and how it works can help explain why they need a particular test and what it shows.