The safety of our patients is very important to us. We ask for your support to ensure that we are able to maintain patient safety by following the guidance below.
Ward security
For the safety of our patients, everyone entering the department must be individually verified. Please ring the bell for entry. Every attempt is made to open the doors as quickly as possible, however, staff may be busy caring for children and families. Please be patient when you are waiting to be let into the ward, and please do not let others follow you in or allow people in as you are leaving the unit.
Patients safety
Hot drinks are allowed in all our ward areas. However these must be in a seal tight cup with a lid to help prevent the scalding risk posed to children.
There is also a family room on the ground floor of the main paediatric department at Heartlands Hospital where hot food and drinks may be made and consumed. Please ask a member of staff for the code. There is a separate parents’ room in the Children’s Day Surgery Unit at Heartlands Hospital for parents to utilise whilst waiting for their child to return from their operation.
At Good Hope Hospital, the parents’ room is in the Children’s Assessment Unit. Please ask a member of staff for directions.
Children are not allowed to use these facilities owing to the risks posed by hot food and drinks.
Please see the catering page for patient nutrition and hydration information.
Cot safety
Mobile babies and children sometimes like to put their arms and legs through the bars of the cots. Please ensure that you always observe your child to maintain their safety.
If you are leaving your child unattended, please make staff aware.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026