When your child is hospitalized, it can feel like the world has ended. Your children are supposed to be invincible. They are supposed to be young and lively and healthy, and most of all they are supposed to outlive you. That’s why, whether your child is in the hospital because of an accident or an illness, you have every right to be terrified. Rather than let that fear get the best of you, however, you need to follow this guide to ensure that they are getting the best hospital care they can.
Understand What Care They Should Be Receiving
Just like children, teens will look to you to explain and to keep them grounded. If they are in hospital because they are sick or some other complication, then they need you to be there to tell them that everything is going to be alright. As they are teenagers and not children, however, they will likely have more questions and want more answers. It is up to you to have as many of the answers as possible so that they can trust and rely that you will see them through this rather terrifying time.
Listen and Carry on any Complaints They Have
Every ache, pain, and feeling they have while they are in the hospital is important. In some cases, it might be a side effect of the treatment, in others it might be indicative of a complication that has to be addressed immediately. The reason why you need to do this is in case your child feels reluctant to tell what is wrong to their doctor. You should absolutely encourage them to be as honest as possible, but know they might not divulge something until it is just you two.
Visit Regularly and Bring Activities
The worst part about having a child in the hospital – especially if it’s ongoing – is that you likely still have work to go to. In the best case scenario, you can take the time off to keep your child company and to keep them calm. In the worst, you will need to work with your friends and family so that someone is always with your child and bring fun things to keep them entertained.
If You Suspect Negligence Has Occurred
Doctors are not perfect, and not every medical surgery or diagnosis will be correct. All they have to do, however, is try their best with the facts that have been presented to them. If, on the other hand, a very obvious error occurred, like your child getting the wrong surgery, or perhaps the doctor did not take their claims of pain serious enough and failed to diagnose or misdiagnose a serious condition, then you have negligence on your hands. Getting professional help for your Leeds medical negligence claims can help you get the compensation you and your family need to move on. Additionally, medical negligence claims often result in policy changes at the hospital, meaning that another poor family is less likely to go through what you have.
Getting your teen the best care when they are in hospital will help you regain some semblance of control and help ensure your child receives the best treatment. It is not, however, infallible. If you suspect something went wrong due to negligence you need to investigate. Your child needs your support, so offer it in every way you can.
Brought to you by our friend, Carol.