Adolescent ward, important or not?

[elliejjtiny]

First of all, I know I'm worrying about trivial things. I do that and I can't stop myself.

Ds4 is 11 (year 7) and having major surgery next month at the children's hospital. Just got the confirmation letter and they have put him on the younger children's surgical ward, for children under 10 instead of the adolescent ward. Will it make much difference to him? We have been on the younger children's ward before and it's very much geared up to little ones. Ds4 is at secondary school and although he has learning disabilities but has also got a lot more grown up since starting secondary school. He goes to bed at 9:30 normally and he is also deaf so tends to talk quite loudly so I worry about him disturbing the little ones. Should I ask if he can be moved or will it not matter if he is on the younger children's ward? I've seen a video tour of the adolescent ward and it looks much more grown up.

Also any tips on keeping him entertained? He is very lively (even just after surgery). Last time the Drs gave him midazolam but that made him more lively. He wanted to be up and running about and it was a complete nightmare trying to keep him contained.

Bump, just because the replies got deleted.

Definitely keep him on the younger ward…the staff-patient ratios are likely to be higher .

@elliejjtiny Ps. Please also get the admitting dr to write up that he became more lively after midazolam…sometimes people have paradoxical effects with certain meds, where the med has the opposite impact than it’s intended ( if he is ND, paradoxical effects can be more common)

Thank you, I didn't realise that the ratios would be different. I will make sure his previous reaction to midazolam is written down as well. It's a shame really as it worked brilliantly for my youngest son who has autism. But my 11 year old was like my best friend when we were 17 and drinking tequila slammers!

Personally I wouldn’t be happy with that proposal and would challenge it. Ime these wards are clearly aimed at young children and I don’t imagine an 11 year old would be happy or comfortable in such a ‘babyish’ environment.