2 year old terrified of hospital, help please

[Sayvalleymaker]

I am posting on behalf of a friend who isn't a mumsnet member. Her 2 1/2 daughter is really frightened of hospitals and doctors after having been in hospital last autumn with meningitis. She becomes scared even when the word doctors is mentioned, and does not sleep well if they have to go to the hospital for any reason (recent example, a hearing test in the holidays) Mum is wondering if there are any books that could help with this, or any ideas you have that would help. I'll link her this thread so she can read your answers. Thank you :)

[Sayvalleymaker]

thank you both, her HV is looking into play specialists so hopefully that will happen soon. I think some people don't realise how sensitive toddlers are. My 15 month dd can understand far more words than she can say. She's scared of the dentist so I'll have a look at topsy and tim too!
Mum is really happy with your replies :)

[DeathMetalMum]

Dd never used to like the doctor's at that age at all. We had a number of times we went and the doctor could not even examine her. We played doctors a lot at home, also had topsy and Tim visit the doctor, (and dentist) this one was good as they saw a different doctor the second time they went. Also what I think helped a lot was Get Well Soon on cebeebies, her anxiety with going to the doctors certainly calmed down after we had watched it a few times.

[MilkAndFenty]

We had the same issue with my son after I had to have a very long stay in hospital with his younger brother, which took me away from home.
He was given sessions with a play specialist who helped him deal with his issues through play and prepared him for any future visits. We used to get a full meltdown everytime we even had a half hour appointment and lots of anxiety about us coming home again. Since the play specialist this has been massively improved.ww were referred through our health visitor. Every child is under a health visitor until they are 16 I think. Definatly under fives will still be aw to access professionals through the h.v.
It's worth her getting in touch with her local children's centre and explaining the situation to see what they can offer. :)