All The Comforts of Home While You’re Away

Preparing for Your Visit

Regardless of the reason for your visit, we try to make your stay with us as stress-free and pleasant as possible, for both you and your child. Following are a few things to do as you prepare for your stay at the Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children:

Pack Personal Items From Home

Children enjoy having their clothing and other items from home with them in the hospital. The following items are recommended (please label all belongings):

• Toys, books, games and music
• Glasses, hearing aids, crutches, braces
• Clothes (comfortable for day time) and underwear
• A favorite pillow or blanket
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• School books and assignments
• Photos of family members and pets
• Personal items (hairbrush, lip balm, shampoo, etc.)

Bring Home Medical Information

Please bring a list of your child’s medications along with you to the hospital. This list should include:

• Any allergies to medicine and food               
• The reason your child is taking the medication
• The dosage of each medication
• How your child takes each medication (pill, liquid, orally or injection)
• Any over-the-counter medications (aspirin, Tylenol, cold medicine, vitamins, herbs, etc.) your child is taking
• Bring original bottles of the medication(s) with you if you are unable to create a list prior to coming to the hospital

Items to Leave at Home

• Do not bring any valuables, large sums of money or anything that can’t be replaced.
• No latex (rubber) balloons. They are a safety hazard. Mylar balloons are fine.
• Check with your child’s nurse before bringing any items that can be plugged into a wall. Non-medical electrical items such as video games, radios or hair dryers may not be permitted.
• Flowers and stuffed animals are discourage these for health reasons in certain patient units (Oncology in particular). Please check with your child’s nurse regarding these items.

Upon Arrival

These guidelines are designed to maintain the security of our patients and family members:

• Parents/legal guardians and visitors must check in at the Information Desk in the Main Lobby for a visitor’s badge.
• Visitor badges must be worn at all times while you’re in the hospital.
• Weapons, including firearms and knives, are not allowed on hospital grounds. For the safety and security of everyone, the hospital reserves the right to search any person’s belonging for drugs and/or weapons.

Returning Home

Help with your child’s discharge process by talking with your child’s doctor and nurse about:

• Any special needs for your child at home
• A list of all phone numbers we might use to reach you
• The language you prefer for discharge instructions
• The mode of transportation you will use to take your child home
• Insurance information for medications provided for your child to use at home

Discharge Day

On the day of discharge, you will need to remember to:

• Be available to pick up your child
• Have a car seat or booster seat in the vehicle you bring to pick up your child (if applicable)