Preventing children from falling while in hospital

In order to prevent falls while visiting hospital, we ask that you;

• Go with your child to the bathroom when medical equipment is attached.
• Go with your child to the bathroom when they get up for the first time after surgery.
• Help your child get up when you feel they may be unsteady on their feet due to their medication or illness.

We want you to feel at home while you are here, but we want you to know there are some differences.

• Our furniture is taller than yours at home. Please keep all side rails up when your child is in bed. Daybeds are only recommended for parent/family members to use at night time.
• While holding your child, if either you or your child becomes sleepy, please place your child back in bed. Please do not share a bed with your child.
• Children under three years old are safer in a cot even though they may not be in one at home.
• Medical equipment, like IV pumps, will restrict your child’s movement. Please let us help you walk your child.
• Please do not allow your child to “ride” on the IV pole.
• Please use lap belts when your child is using a wheelchair or pushchair.
• When visiting as an out-patient, please accompany your child in all areas of the hospital, including doctor’s offices, radiology, cafes and toilets. Leaving your child/children unattended can increase falls and injury.
• We encourage our patients to learn through play. Toys and child-sized furniture are located in our waiting areas. To avoid injury, please discourage your child from running or climbing in patient rooms, waiting rooms and corridors.
• We provide your child with non slip footwear / slippers, if you do not have these please ask a staff member and we can provide non slip socks.

We want to make sure your child is in the safest environment possible. If we think that your child is at risk of falling, we will put a “Humpty Dumpty” sign on your child’s bed.