Hospital planning!

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My DD who is 4 is due to go to hospital for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (is that a word??)

In terms of things to take to hospital and for the days after, could anyone tell me the things they wish they'd known about, or things that will make her stay and recovery better?

Thank you

I assume you are staying with her. You will most likely be provided with a pull out bed, pillow and blanket but you don't get fed. So for you take food you can make using a kettle or microwave (there will be a parents room). Pot noodles/pasta/porridge is good. Lots of snacks like cereal/yogurt bars. Bottles of water.
Take toiletries for you as well as her (parents are usually allowed to use the shower). The all in one shower/gels come in handy here. Ear plugs and eye masks are useful as night time is never quiet. Flip flops are good for walking around in and using the shower.
Pull up nappies (the ones for older children) can be handy if she decides she hates the toilet there and simply refuses to use it.
Oh again for you....phone chargers. I repeat phone chargers.
Everything else....things that will stop her being bored. A lot of hospital time is just waiting around. So whatever type of thing she likes. Lego, crafts, colouring etc. Maybe get some suprise new ones. I always take one of the big 50p supermarket bags to put everything in to keep it all together and nothing gets lost. Even if she doesn't normally use gadgets at home then this is the time to have a rule break and let her use a tablet/phone.
Favourite cuddly toy is a must. A small fleece blanket is a nice feeling. Hospital blankets are weirdly heavy so my daughter often prefered a fleece from home.
Study the map of the hospital is so you know where the M+S/Costa/WHSmith is for emergency food/comic/chocolate top ups.
Hope all goes well.

Thank you - this is exactly the type of thing I was looking for. I'm horribly anxious about it, on her behalf if you see what I mean, and I just want to do as much as I can to make it easier for her and me.

packs 2 phone chargers just be sure

Thank you again

Have ready at home calpol and well stocked fridge but she will probably be fine within days as kids that age bounce back.

Comfy clothes as you will be sitting around a lot. Few changes for her as she might be sick/have accidents.

Yes spare clothes. For both of you. Cos if she is gonna puke it will probably be over you . Couple of carrier bags to put dirty clothes in.
Don't forget headphones as well because come 7pm when all the kiddies have dozed off you can watch stuff on your gadget because for the parents - that's the really boring time of the day.

I always take a pack of baby wipes - very useful for a quick wipe under the armpits when you don't get chance for a wash (and a pack of general cleaning wipes are good too for the little table the bed has).
Don't take spray deodorant - the aerosols can set off fire alarms in the bathroom - take a roll on.

Oh and paracetamol/ibrophen for yourself incase you need it. I sometimes found the ward a bit stuffy and would get a headache but despite being in a hospital they can't give you anything.

Thank you everyone.

I'm really worried that she's going to be in a lot of pain afterwards - does anyone have any experience with tonsil and adenoid removal in small children? I'm holding off googling as I don't want I read any horror stories.

It's usually a day case procedure unless there are particular medical reasons to stay so unless they've told you you're likely to be staying you shouldn't need masses of stuff.

They said she would likely stay in for one night as she has sleep apnoea. I won't be turning up with suitcases or anything- one night of looking like I've slept in a bush is fine for me but wanted to make sure I have whatever she needs.

I don't know if the Covid rules have changed but when my daughter was in hospital last year the parent that stayed had a 'once you're in, you're in' rule. You weren't allowed out the hospital. You could leave the ward to go to the overpriced M+S etc but not the hospital. We were allowed to meet someone at the entrance to pass a bag in (or on occasion a McDonald's meal ). So even if you end up taking much more than you need it's better than not having it. If that makes sense.

I think you're right about that Lego as a friend was recently in hospital with their child on an emergency basis and said similar. I will make sure I balance not bringing truckloads of stuff with making sure I have the essentials!

Not just phone chargers, but extra long phone chargers (or an extension lead with multiple sockets)

Priority for plugs is of course for medical kit, so if you want a couple of devices (one each) that you can use comfortably when sitting down (or for DC, in bed) and when charging/plugged in, then you may need the extra cable.

You might get fed - policy between hospitals varies. Also there's usually food to buy somewhere in a big hospital 24/7, but take some in to keep you going.

Hospitals are usually quite hot, so wear layers

And importantly, you need some breaks from the bedside so arrange for some trusted people on standby to come and visit to be with DC for an hour so you can get away. You won't need that if it's only one night, but if for any reason it's longer (and I really hope it won't be) then it's really important (any remaining hospital covid infection control procedures permitting). They can also (if everyone's local) bring in any stuff you need (eg fresh clothing, and take away anything soiled)

Thank you nether