Your child's stay

World-class care designed with children in mind

Looking after your child

We understand that a hospital visit can be a stressful time for parents and children. That's why we go out of our way to make your child's stay as comfortable as possible. Our children's inpatient units were created with young people in mind. Both feature bright, spacious playrooms packed with books, toys, art materials and audio-visual equipment, as well as outdoor play areas. Delicious, healthy meals are designed for even the fussiest of eaters. We offer your family privacy, with en-suite rooms and 24-hour room service. We accommodate a parent staying overnight, and our flexible visiting hours mean you can spend family time together, just as you would at home.

Safety first

Your child's safety and wellbeing are our first concern. Babies at The Portland Hospital have a personal electronic security tag during their stay. We also have CCTV, as well as compulsory visitor and staff IDs. We ask all parents and visitors to follow strict infection control measures.

Need to know

We'll do everything we can to provide a comfortable and reassuring 'home-away-from-home' environment for your child. Our child-friendly rooms have an en-suite bathroom, a nurse call system, direct dial phone, TV, fridge and air conditioning. If your child has a favourite toy or comforter, please bring it with you. You'll need to bring nightwear and toiletries for your child, too. Your child will be able to choose their meals from our dedicated children's menus. Each room has space for one parent or carer to stay overnight with your child.

Your child will be taken into the operating theatre. The anaesthetist will closely monitor your child's blood pressure, pulse, temperature and breathing throughout the operation, to help ensure they are safe and fully asleep. When the operation is finished, your child will be transferred to a child-friendly recovery room where they'll be cared for as they wake up from the anaesthetic.

If your child is coming to have a treatment, test or operation with us but doesn't need to stay overnight, please go to our children's outpatient department. Your consultant will let you know how to prepare your child for their test or procedure. We'll let you know beforehand what time to arrive and what to bring with you, including suitable clothes and shoes for your child to wear.

We understand that, for many parents, time seems to pass slowly while their child is having an operation. You can return to your child's room with the nurse and order some refreshments. You may be able to prepare a bottle of milk or other beverage for your child while you are waiting. You can also go for a walk if you wish to. If you do, please be sure to leave a contact number (ideally your mobile phone number) with the nurses.