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Making Outpatients fun for children at Addenbrooke's
Hospital
Our Service has held the Charter Mark since 1996
and was 'Highly commended' by Action for Sick Children in 2001
Our aims
Simply, we aim to improve the hospital experience for children
attending Outpatients at Addenbrooke's as patients, dependants
of patients or siblings.
The services we offer include
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Play facilities in the waiting areas of clinics in
Outpatients;
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The Playroom: A free crèche facility in Outpatients;
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Preparing children attending Outpatients for potentially
'frightening procedures', and offering therapeutic play.
(1) Play facilities in clinic areas
In each clinic reception, there are toys and activity sheets
for children of all ages. The toys, books and facilities are cleaned
and checked with safety standards by the play staff each month.
If you can not find these facilities or have a comment or suggestion,
please contact the Play Leader in the Playroom (see below).
(2) The Playroom
The Playroom in Outpatients is open Mon–Fri: 0900–1300
and 1330–1700.
It is for children aged from 4 months to 14 years.
Who can use the Playroom?
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Children who are attending an outpatient clinic themselves
Take your child to the clinic, book them in with the receptionist
and ask him/her to telephone the Playroom (hospital extension
2332) when the clinic is ready to see the child. Bring the child
to the Playroom, where they can have fun while they wait.
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Children who are with someone attending an outpatient clinic
When you arrive at Outpatients, bring your child to the Playroom;
then you can go back to your clinic knowing that your child
is both safe and having fun.
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Children who are with someone visiting inpatients in the
wards
Our priority is to serve outpatients, but when it is possible
we will look after visitors' children for up to one hour.
Booking a place at the Playroom in advance
The Playroom is very popular. To ensure we can provide a service
when you need it, we recommend that you book in advance (see below).
You can do this by dropping in or phoning a play leader during
the hours we are open (see above).
Playroom registration form
When you arrive at the Playroom, we will ask you to fill in
a registration form. We will then give you a security slip, which
you must return to us before you can collect your child. Please
keep the slip safe. If you lose the slip, our staff will perform
a security check before handing the baby or child over.
What if my child doesn't settle in at the Playroom
If your child is unhappy in the Playroom, we will ring the clinic
and ask you to return to the Playroom. There are toys and books
in each clinic and your child might be happier remaining close
to you. It is important that you return to the child when you
are asked to.
Do I need to bring anything to the Playroom?
There are toys and books in the Playroom. It is a good idea
to bring a drink, snack (and a change of nappy, if appropriate).
If you have a young child, it can be helpful to bring a 'buggy'
in case they need to have a sleep.
Children with special needs
We welcome children with special needs in the Playroom, which
(despite being quite small) is accessible to wheelchairs. If you
would like to discuss your child's particular needs, please speak
with the play staff in advance (see below).
(3) Preparation for procedures through play
Play staff can help you and your child cope better with medical
procedures. If you need help, call the Playroom staff to talk
about your child's needs.
What other play facilities are there at Addenbrooke's?
There are also staff in the children's wards, The Child Development
Centre, Accident and Emergency and in the Rosie Hospital who will
help you with your children while you are attending these parts
of the Hospital.
To book a place in the Playroom or for further details contact:
The Outpatient Play Service, Box 156, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills
Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 216 332 (direct line) or hospital
extension: 2332.
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