Hospital for 12 yr old

[craddock287]

Hi all, hope this is the right place to post this. My 12 yo DN is waiting for a bed in a high dependency ward. We are told it’s likely to be 31st before he’s admitted. My question is a purely practical one - do any of you know what items are likely to be prohibited on the ward? Can he have trainers with laces in etc? I ask because my DS needs to know if she needs to buy stuff. Also, as they’re in Cornwall, the bed will be a long way from home. He is expected to travel in an ambulance- but will parents likely be allowed to travel with him/ should they leave it a few days etc? Sorry- maybe these are strange questions, but this is all so unknown for us and I thought maybe some of you had been through similar.

Laces won't be allowed
No Tracksuits with a string
Dressing gown cords
Belts etc

No Cans
Nail clippers
Anything sharp such as earrings

Phone chargers will be kept in the office if they allow patients to have phones.

Top items to bring...
Slippers or fluffy socks for everyday
sliders/flip flops for shower
Activities such as puzzles, books
Wireless battery power radios

The ambulance will be staffed so I wouldn't expect you to be there but as he's a child I imagine they have a protocol for that so best to ask.

Happy to answer any questions you've got

Sorry posted to soon

Meant to add- sorry to hear this is happening to your DN. hope he gets in the best place for his recovery ASAP

PurpleFrames, Thankyou for your reply. Really helpful. We’re all just hoping that it’s not too far away from Cornwall. But given his age, there are so few appropriate beds. It’s such a hard thing, knowing that this child is so young and so very unwell. Thanks again

Hi, agree with above. If he is allowed his phone, he might only be aloud what the kids called a 'brick' phone ie one that just does calls/texts. No internet no camera. A comfort from home is great, books and photos. All strings will be cut out if attached to shorts etc. He may or may not be allowed wirred headphones. It really depends on weather he goes nhs, or if he has to go to a private place. Again same with ambaulnce, wether it's nhs or a private firm. has he been sectioned for you know? That can make a difference if he hasn't and he's not a flight risk his parents may be able to take him. My DS has had a lot of admissions, mainly on sections. in various units. So happy to answer any questions. Higgs to all of you

I myself had to go about 150miles away from home.

I know they do try very hard to keep children closer though...

I'd probably also recommend some snacks as Nhs food is really not all that!

Thankyou- I’ve passed all of the info to sister. They’re still waiting for a bed- may be a while I’m guessing! The plan is to offer him a voluntary admission, with the full expectation that he will tell them where to stick it, and then they’ll get the second dr to approve and he’ll be sectioned. It’s a terrible situation tbh- as you both know full well it is, I’m sure! He is very violent and hasn’t left the house (and hardly his bedroom) for a year. He’s pda- but the rest of what’s going on with him (if anything) they’re not sure about. So, it’ll be a section 2 to assess and then a 3 if needs be. Poor lad. He’s so lost. Anyway, thanks again!

If your DN hasn't been admitted already if possible push for him to be admitted to a children's unit, rather than an adolescent unit. They are usually less of a shock to the system. If he's already been admitted I hope it's going as well as it could be.

CAMHS units, especially children's units, usually have much more relaxed informal, homely feel compared to adult wards. So, depending on the unit e.g. trainers with laces may be allowed. They will encourage making his room less hospital like - duvet cover, blanket, towels etc.

Thankyou 1step, we are all worried about him being the very youngest- and possibly amongst 17 year olds who are very unwell. I’ve suggested my sister push for children’s. It’d be great if acorn unit had a bed. Do you know if they all mix together regardless of age on a general Camhs ward?

Generally children's units usually take under 13's. Adolescent units usually take 13-17y/o's. But, 12 year olds can be admitted to adolescent wards if deemed most appropriate - and if struggling for beds sadly sometimes are. Occasionally if deemed suitable an adolescent will be admitted to a children's ward. Some units take across the ages e.g. GOSH.

Usually within the unit DC mix, but if e.g. the bedrooms are not singles the staff will try to make it so similar ages share (along with single sex rooms and no clash of needs etc.). And, things like bedtimes depend upon ages as well.

Firstly, I'm so sorry your family and your nephew is in such a situation.

When is he 13? What is the long term plan for him and when is a bed to be expected?

What is his current support? Is he in medication?

Your sibling must be very frightened, worried and at the end of a very long tether as it looks like this has been going on for a good while?

You say he has PDA but are there more assessments planned?

Any update OP? Wishing your family All the best

Purple, Thankyou for asking, that’s very thoughtful. The update, in short, is that he is still at home and on the waiting list for a low secure CAMHS/ asd bed. It was felt that because there is such a high level of violence, it was best for him to go straight to low secure. He has no idea either, which is in itself very difficult. Do you have any experience of secure placements?

Hi, your welcome to PM know about low secure, as well as the largest secure CAMHS ones in UK so may have an idea of where he's going. And from the asd perpective I know to. Any questions pleas ask

my son is 12 and has just come home from one he was allowed a phone and coluring books but they had set rules when they could be used their visting time was allowed but limited due to covid they usually tell you whats allowed and whats not we we were allowed to take food items in for him no laptops or ds etc were allowed as they try to get the children to interact thoughts with you and hope all goes well