Child’s fear of hospitals

[RachSt12]

My son is 10yrs old and has had a lot of hospital procedures during his little life, each one leaves him feeling more and more anxious and he’s quickly developing fear of any clinical setting, particularly needles/cannulas. It’s almost a PSTD for him.
His consultant is going to refer him to a clinical psychologist but the wait is long and I’m not so sure if that’s the right method for him.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and can remind a gentle solution for him.
I just want him not to worry so much, and even the discussion of blood in a normal conversation leads to him feeling wobbly.
Thank you

Parents/kids can actually self teach the magic glove technique for blood taking if that's a specific aspect (it's taught for kids needing chemo etc)

Contact the play therapists at the hospital they're fab at kids with anxiety

Ask for premeds for procedures (need to be starved 6h,2h clear fluids). Most depts will allow preproceedure visits

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/information-children-parents-carers rcoa has lots of videos/explanations

https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/preparing-your-mind-surgery these are guided preop meditation videos for preop anxiety but maybe too young for it

Ozzie version has parent advice section
https://epickids.org.au/healthcare-professionals/

Xx

Thank you for the tips, I will have a look at all the links.
We often have the play team involved but unfortunately that does not help.
Thank you again for your help,