The Hospital Experience

At The CHOC Neuroscience Institute, our goal is to make patients who are hospitalized and families as comfortable as possible. The following are some things you should know:

What You Will Need

When you arrive at CHOC for hospitalization, we suggest you bring records of your child’s history and physical; slippers, any comfort items that your child might want (stuffed animal/blanket/toy/pacifier); books and/or magazines to keep you occupied while your child sleeps; a sippy cup or bottle if your child typically uses one.

Hospital Stay

Parents have 24-hour visitation privileges to see their children, and one parent can sleep at the bedside. Cots and sleep chairs are available for use. If you have special accommodation needs, please speak to your nurse. Our goal is to be as accommodating as possible.

Housing Arrangements

Parents who live far away from CHOC can make arrangements to stay at The Ronald McDonald House through our Social Services Department. There are also apartments and other lodging available for family members. A social worker can help you make arrangements to stay in these lodgings.

When You Go Home

Your child’s discharge planning begins right at admission. Our case managers will make all the necessary home care arrangements and help parents/caregivers arrange the next steps. Parents will receive education about taking care of central lines and other vascular access devices. Additionally, the case manager will arrange for a home health care nurse visit or extended visits, depending on patient need. We also make sure that patients have their follow-up appointments already scheduled before they leave the hospital. Prescriptions will be provided before the patient is discharged, and can be filled either at CHOC or a local pharmacy. Parents also receive explicit instructions on signs of possible illness that should be checked such as high fever, chills and vomiting. Family members are always welcome to call The CHOC Neuroscience Institute at any time with medical questions. We have a doctor on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.