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Child in GOSH

30 replies

beepbeep · 25/01/2014 15:28

I don't know if anyone can help. My nephew will soon be going into GOSH for a bone marrow transplant, it's unsure how long he'll be in. Thing is his family (he has siblings) live 3 hours from London so his parents will be staying with him for prob about 3 months and grandparents will have responsibility for the siblings. We will also help out there as much as we can.

My sister and dil haven't much spare cash, even less when they will be in London and not working. They are very proud and will not accept cash but I was wondering if anyone with experience of GOSH could tell me if there's anything that we could do to make the stay there any easier. I'm thinking about getting some vouchers for Costa & things like that so they can have a cuppa & cake and not have to worry about the cost.

Is there anywhere else nearby? Tesco, Sainsbury?

Can anyone tell me what the facilities are liked in the parents kitchen, will they have much storage/fridge space (I.e. Can I send them with things?)

I so desperately want to help in anyway I can, so any info would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
starfishmummy · 26/01/2014 21:38

Someone to do laundry is very useful!!
Some treats for the resident parent ( and patient of course) will be welcome I am sure!!

amyshellfish · 26/01/2014 22:55

The children who are not in hospital may need you as well- I know they will be looked after as you said in your op but they may feel very out of the loop depending on their ages. They will need lots of reassurance. You're probably going to be spread very thin op but you sounds absolutely amazing for being willing to do that. A macdonalds house or similar will probably be a very good idea. Someone I knew used one and they found it was an amazing help. Or can the parents alternate 4 days with dn then 4 days at home working to keep some money coming in and seeing the other children?

blondefriend · 29/01/2014 21:43

I was at GOSH for 3 months with my son. All the wards have different facilities but most have a simple kitchen with microwave, kettle, fridge etc. However food can be pilfered from there (I know!!) so it is nice to be able to go and buy regularly. I was lucky enough to stay in the Italian Building and had my own bedroom and bathroom with access to a small kitchen which was rarely used.
The People's Supermarket was great for food, especially good quality lunches/snack food. However there are also supermarkets (Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsburys) all within walking distance. This is probably a better choice for vouchers so that they can make their own choices. The canteen isn't too bad although it has changed since my stay.
As for accommodation GOSH provides free accommodation for 1 parent either beside the bed or in one of their accommodation units. After transplant there is a special hotel for families whilst they recover but I don't know the details (ds wasn't transplant). There is also a laundry at the hospital so washing tablets would be a nice idea.
Other than that internet access and a good book/Kindle are essential. Your nephew is likely to sleep a lot so being able to keep busy at a bedside is great. Also try to pop into London in the evening occasionally (when parking and congestion charge are free). Take the resident parent out for a meal or a drink (this is what kept me sane).

I hope the transplant goes well and your nephew is home ASAP. xx

beepbeep · 30/01/2014 08:15

Thank you everyone for all your great help. I now have a list of bits to get for them and more ideas for things to do. It is all really appreciated.

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Praying4Beatrice · 30/01/2014 22:11

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