Pediatric & Neonatal

The Pediatric & Neonatal unit is a special unit within the Horacio Oduber Hospital where children are admitted. Our ward will do everything to make your stay and that of your child as comfortable as possible. Thus, the children will stay as much as possible in a room with children their own age, and you as a parent can visit your child as often as you want.

Playing, having your parents, brothers and sisters nearby or having visitors over are things that are quite normal at home, and therefore in our hospital as well. Depending on the age of brothers and sisters we will advise if its proper to bring them to the Hospital.

The safety of the children and parents is very important to us.

Therefore, we offer overnight stay where one parent is able to stay overnight with their child and visit whenever they can.

We promote parental participation, because it leads to fast recovery and a feeling of safety of the child in a foreign environment. However, if the parents cannot be there for whatever reason, we will gladly accept the task of taking care of, supporting and guiding your child, so that they feel safe and secure.

As a parent, you will be as involved as you are at home. That does not change. Reading a book, helping when getting dressed and washed or eating together. All those daily activities simply continue in our hospital. Whether your child is admitted to our ward for just a day or for a longer period, we will do everything to make it as easy and comfortable as possible for your child and you. We do so by offering a child-friendly environment where we provide best nursing and medical care. Clinical reporting, both verbally and written, takes place in Dutch and English. In addition, our employees speak different languages.

Furthermore, we endeavor to make sure that the experience of your child is as little traumatic as possible. We have a playroom which is an important element, where they can play and just forget for a while that they are in a hospital.

To make their time in the hospital as enjoyable as possible we try to celebrate all children’s activities such as Carnival, Easter, Children’s Day, Saint Nicholas Day, Christmas and many more, which they have to miss at home because of their hospitalization.

Admission

When admitted your child will need:

• Comfortable clothing & pajamas
• Favorite cuddle toy or pillow
• Toiletries
• Hairbrush
• In case of prolonged hospitalization, your child can bring his/her homework

What to expect?

There are several specialists associated with our ward, because the diseases are diverse. The decoration of the ward is also particularly colorful. It may be that your child stays in a room with several other children, or that  he or she has a private room. Where your child will stay, depends on the reason of admission.

The Children’s Ward has a capacity of 28 beds and is divided into 3 units:

1. Semi-private unit

This unit has rooms containing each of 2 beds with a shareable bathroom. These rooms are for infants, toddlers and for teens. Your child will be as much as possible in the room with children his or her own age. It is possible for one parent to stay overnight. Just keep in mind that there’s not a lot of space but we try our best to make you feel comfortable so you and your child can get a restful sleep. Every bed has its own TV. Children on this unit can be admitted for a short or longer period of time, it all depends on the reason for admission.

2. Isolation unit (Private)

Sometimes it is not possible to stay in a room with other children, for instance, because of a risk of infection, much needed rest or age related. Therefore, we have the isolation unit. A unit with 10 single private rooms, intended for children and adolescents from 0 up to 17 years. These rooms may have visiting restrictions. It is important to ask the nurse if visitors are allowed. One parent can stay overnight (rooming-in). These children can’t go outside of the room to enjoy our playroom, but we will make sure that age-appropriate toys are available for your child.

3. Incubator unit and baby room

Newborn babies who need extra care are admitted to the incubator unit. It may be that your baby is premature, sick or need extra observation. Of course, you wish to bond instantly with your baby. And there’s always a nurse available to guide and help you with the best care for your baby.
Only parents are allowed into the incubator rooms and newborn rooms.  If your baby is clinically stable and has to stay for any reason, for example growth, then we may make exceptions for the grandparents to come and visit. The nurse in charge of your baby will give you more information about the visiting hours.

Remember each child is unique and different, and we adjust our care to their needs.

Children & Surgery

When your child is in need of any kind of surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, it is understandable to be a little uneasy. You probably have plenty of questions about everything — from how the anesthesia is given, to what your child will experience, to where you’re allowed to be.

Click here for the information brochure (in Dutch) about how to prepare your child for a surgery, the administration of anesthesia and pain control after surgery.

Visiting hours

• 11.30am - 1pm
• 5pm - 8pm

Outside the visiting hours, only parents or the designated caregiver (18+) appointed by the parents is allowed to be with the child. We promote parental participation, meaning that both parents may be present throughout the day. Keep in mind though only one parent can stay overnight after 8p.m. We do make exceptions in the visiting hours, but it all depends on the clinical condition of the child. Talk to the nurse in charge to make the arrangements.

The team

The team of the Children’s Ward consists of:

• Care manager
• Pediatric nurses
• Registered general nurses
• Nursing students
• Nursing assistants
• Pediatricians
• Medical students
• Residents
• Activities supervisor
• Secretary
• Housekeeping

You will see the pediatricians and residents every day during rounding and the other specialists will also visit your child daily.

Privacy

Children also have a right to privacy. This is closely monitored. Therefore, information is only given to parents and not to third parties.
You may only take pictures of your own child and not of other children without the permission of the child’s parents. It’s also prohibited to take pictures or video of the staff on the ward without their permission.

Accessibility

Location Children’s ward: Tower B, 2nd floor
Telephone care manager: 527 4453
Telephone secretary: 527 4450
Telephone nurse station: 527 4451/527 4452