VISITING THE HOSPITAL
Preparing for a stay at Texas Children's

Preparing for a stay Admission & billing Your child's room Places to eat   Meals for parents Places to stay Area attractions Volunteer services Family Services   Family Library Parking Contact information Discharge Pharmacy Specialty care Special features CarePages CareMessages Send a patient greeting Videos Virtual tour of the hospital My child needs surgery

As a parent of a child at Texas Children’s Hospital, you are an important part of the team working to make your son or daughter well. You are a source of information, security and comfort to your child in unfamiliar surroundings. Children have many questions. 

Touching, holding or just looking at your child can be a big help during medical procedures. We know children react differently, and we will support you in helping your child cope with these feelings in his or her own way.

Please bring familiar items from home for your child, including favorite toys and familiar nightgowns or pajamas. Infants younger than 1 year need several sleepwear outfits. If your child uses orthopedic devices, such as braces or corrective shoes, please bring those.

Family-centered care
We recognize that the family significantly influences the patient’s health and well-being. At Texas Children's, families are respected and supported in their roles as caregivers and decision-makers.

The four core principles of family-centered care are:

• People are treated with dignity and respect.
• Healthcare providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
• People build on their strengths by participating in experiences that enhance control and independence.
• Collaboration among patients, families and providers occurs in policy and program development and professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.

Providing quality patient care
You and your child are important members of our healthcare team. We realize being in the hospital can be stressful for both the patient and family. Our goal at Texas Children’s is to make your child’s stay as comfortable, pleasant and safe as possible. Here are several helpful hints to remember:

• Please let your child’s doctor and hospital staff know of any allergies or sensitivities your child may have to foods, medications or latex products.
• Please let the doctor and hospital staff know about any medications your child is taking. Ask us if you are unsure about any medications being given to your child.
• Please do not hesitate to ask the doctor or hospital staff for information if you are uncertain about the reason or purpose of a medication, test or treatment. You have the right to this information.
• A nurses’ call light has been provided so you can call for help when needed. Please be sure to keep the call light within reach and do not hesitate to call for any reason.
• Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions about your child’s care. The policy at Texas Children’s is to provide the very best care for you and your loved ones.

Guest services
Guest Services is designed to support families during their visits to Texas Children's by providing information and referrals to immediate and extended family members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We can provide information about area dining, shopping, transportation, and hotels and services, as well as details about hospital services, programs and events.

Guest Services staff members understand this is a stressful time for families and provides excellent personal attention to assist families with their individual and unexpected needs.

Contact a Guest Services representative by calling 832-824-STAR (7827) or by visiting the Information Desk in the West Tower lobby of the hospital. To make your stay more comfortable, we have identified the following locations for places to eat, places to stay and area attractions.

Patient satisfaction
Texas Children’s supports your right as a patient or parent to be satisfied with the care and service you or your child receive. We will do everything we can to ensure you are pleased with your experience. If you have concerns about care or service, we have procedures that allow you to voice your concerns.

The first step is to speak with your child’s care provider. If that does not resolve the issue, please call family relations at 832-824-1919 to speak with a patient representative who will assist you.

Future care will not be compromised should you register a complaint.