If we can find one, is it permitted to stay in a hotel in London in lockdown for this purpose?

[Lockdownin]

DC1 due a major operation at GOSH which has been delayed. She's nearly 3 and there is an optimum window for correction that her surgeon emphasised and so we're hoping it will be soon; certainly before Christmas the position was that it would be done ASAP but increase in cases makes us think it may be some months away.

At the moment GOSH are understandably only allowing one parent for duration of stay (likely around a week, touch wood all being ok) and I will stay with her as she's home with me every day and cosleeps (with baby sibling sleeping in bedside crib on other side)

We have a breastfeeding two month old baby and live some way away from GOSH. I know there's no point worrying about logistics until we know when the op can happen by, but I would be comforted if I knew that if it's soon at least DH could stay nearby with baby so I could pop up out to feed occasionally. I can build up a pumped frozen supply but think it would be important to see the baby maybe once a day to maintain latch etc.

If we could find one would staying in a hotel or Air BnB be permitted for him and baby for this purpose? We'll all be isolating prior to procedure. The priority is that DC1 is ok as I know DH can look after DC2 but would really like to continue breastfeeding DC2 as did with DC1 until 2

I think the hospital would be the best people to ask. There might be some sort of family accommodation available?

Link with hospital, maybe a Ronald McDonald place?

Yes, common sense would say. I wouldn’t try and find exact rules for it.

The hospital may have a Ronald McDonald house that you can book

My understanding is that yes, this would be permitted.

Yes can't you book in at Ronald McDonald House?

I would really hope so. When you get called for surgery, if we are still in lockdown, ask the hospital. I’m sure they will know.

I can't see any reason why not. There's a myriad of exemptions for medical care/mental health/children's needs/essential accommodation away from prime residence etc.

I cannot see who would object or who would fine you, much less it being upheld in court!

I would speak to GOSH though, given the situation with DD2, they might just have a family room you can use

Best wishes forDD1

When we were at GOSH they provided accommodation for us when our youngest had ohs, there is an accommodation office within GOSH and as soon as your little one is under you go there to find out where they will be putting you (if you live over a 30 minute drive away) we were put in a hotel the night before her operation and in a house a ten minute walk away whilst she was kept in, we could not stay with her in intensive care, depending on the operation that might be the case for you, you can go as early as you like and stay as late as you like but they encourage you to sleep in your accommodation until they’re moved down a level, it might be different depending on the operation for you but due to the sheer amount of equipment I can see why it was the case for us. I guess it might all be different in a pandemic but you can call the accommodation office at GOSH and ask. I really hope you get sorted soon. Our daughter is now fine and bonkers, you would never know she had been so poorly.

yes, and there are hotels open for necessary purposes like this, cheap and cheerful ones near kings cross.
but also GOSH has patient's family accomm, so ask them.
good luck.

Are parents now “allowed” to come and go from the hospital ward? Or do you have to stay on the ward with her constantly?

But the hotel stay itself is fine, just that nipping in and out might not be permitted.

Yes def permitted. Relatives of mine have just done this.

Thanks so much for your replies. I'd assumed Ronald McDonald etc wouldn't be available to anyone beyond the nominated carer at the moment

@MinesAPintOfTea that's a good point. I remember once I'd been Covid tested at birth centre I couldn't leave. I'd heard of some hospitals asking for carers to stay on ward but I think last experience I read of the parent could come and go, but that was last summer when things more relaxed.

@Toocold I'm so glad your daughter is ok and op went well, they are brilliant at GOSH. I had heard we couldn't stay overnight on first night in intensive care, but that one parent could stay overnight once transferred to ward

@WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants
one nurse did mention a family room and that would be wonderful, especially as DD loves her baby sister (at least at the moment)
but I wasn't sure if it would still be an option, I really hope so

Not GOSH but my DD was just in Manchester children’s (2 weeks ago) and only 1 parent was allowed on the ward and no children at all.
All the parents lounges and kitchens were closed, I was allowed to leave the hospital site for short times but not allowed to go home and then come back.
DD had HDU care and I slept on a pull down bed in her room, she was in 6 days. My one piece of advice is bring pillows, there are not nearly enough!

How is your DD @Yubaba? That's useful to know you were able to leave briefly. I wouldn't often anyway as DD so young, it might not even be possible but will discuss it all with her clinical team when time comes

She’s doing great thanks, she had spinal surgery for scoliosis.
The hospital had a Costa, M&S and subway so I would leave to get food but never more than 30 minutes at a time, usually when she was sleeping. The nurses would encourage a break, it’s hard seeing your child in pain and a bit of fresh air would do wonders.

My friend has an AirBNB that she's had people use for this purpose in the last couple of weeks, due to pets that couldn't be left.

I hope you can
I know that when my Aunt was over here, she was only allowed to stay at the premier inn because they don’t have a home here in the Uk. That was one of the conditions, but perhaps there may be other exceptions.

Speak to the hospital once you hear more about a date. You won't be the first in this position. Currently our local children's hospital is allowing one parent on site and they cannot leave for infection control reasons, local people here have been asked to help with basics as often they are 200+ miles from family and friends

I would look into an Airbnb, instead of a hotel. Then whoever stays in the hotel can cook for themselves instead of having to run out with baby regularly to get food (at restaurants that may not even really be open). Also, less foot traffic than a hotel so probably less risk of infection.

It seems sensible though that your dh should be the one to go and stay with her. It will be difficult to leave a bf baby for long stretches of time, even in a few months time. Could he stay on the ward, and then you could stay nearby with baby to offer support?

I'm so glad your daughter is doing well @Yubaba

@mindutopia it's so hard. DD is close to DH and he is very good at dealing with medical things, he had to help her through CT scan as I couldn't when pregnant etc so I had considered it, but DD is with me 24/7 and asks for me at night etc so it seems unthinkable that she would be away from me for a week at a time when she is probably a bit frightened and in pain. DC2 will not really know what's going on in the same time and while breastfeeding is very important to me in balancing both of their needs I feel DC1 needs me more. It's really hard and it would be such fantastic news if they do still allow the family room as DC2 is manageable at the moment at least, I don't think we'd disturb anyone and DC1 enjoys being with her and is used to having her there every day and night

I should say we had considered it, not just me. DH and I trying to work out best thing between us, but he has rightly pointed out there's no point worrying until we know when it will be