For the 17th year in a row, Children's Hospital Boston has been rated one of the nation's top hospitals specializing in pediatric care, according to a survey by U.S.News & World Report.

VISION
Be the worldwide leader in improving children's health

MISSION
1.Provide the highest quality health care
2.Be the leading source of research and discovery
3.Educate the next generation of leaders in child health
4.Enhance the health and well-being of the children and families in our local community

Clinical Services
As one of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States, Children's Hospital Boston offers a complete range of health care services for children from birth through 21 years of age.

More Information on Clinical Services

For Patients and Families
Going to the hospital or a medical appointment can be trying. Fighting traffic, looking for a parking space, gathering necessary medical records, and trying to keep your child calm can make the experience stressful before you even get there.
At Children's Hospital Boston, we strive to make your experience coming here - and being here - as pleasant as possible. On our website we've provided information to:

1.help you find the Children's location closest to where you live
2.make finding us and parking easier
3.let you know what to expect when you get here
help you prepare your child
3.give you places to turn when you still have questions

Preparing your child for hospitalization
There are many ways to help children prepare for an overnight stay in the hospital or a procedure. Parents often ask for information about how to talk with their child about the hospital. Many wonder when the best time is to tell their child about going to the hospital. This page offers suggestions to help you prepare your child for a health care experience.

Telling your child aout going to hospital
A child's personality, language development and ability to understand information affect his or her understanding of the hospital or a procedure.
Remember, since children develop at different rates, these guidelines may not describe your child exactly.

*Newborn to 2-years old. When your child is very young, concentrate on preparing yourself for the hospital. If parents feel at ease, their child is usually able to sense this and react in the same way.

*2-years old to 3-years old. At this age, children do not understand time in the same way as older children and adults. Talk with your doctor, nurse or child life specialist about how you think your child will manage best in the hospital setting. Consider telling your child about his or her operation or procedure one or two days before going to the hospital.

*3-years old to 6-years old. At these ages, children are beginning to learn about the days of the week and are developing a sense of time. It is hard for a child to understand why he or she needs an operation or procedure. Your child may worry that he or she has done something wrong. Reassure your child that the hospital stay is about having something fixed and is never a punishment. Use simple, short explanations. Consider telling your 3 or 4-year old child about an operation or procedure one to two days before going to the hospital. Consider telling your 5- or 6-year old child three to five days ahead of time.

*7-years old to 11-years old. At this age, a child is able to understand the reason for a hospital stay or procedure. In addition, children have developed a sense of time. You may want to tell your child about his or her operation or procedure seven days before going to the hospital. This will give your child plenty of time to ask questions and to talk about any worries he or she may have about going to the hospital.

*12-years old to adult years. At this age, it is best to include children in planning for the operation or procedure from the beginning. Encourage your child to ask questions and to talk about his or her worries about the hospital. Most children are struggling for independence from their parents while at the same time seeking their support. You may want to ask your child how you can help him or her through the hospital stay or procedure.

Learn more about Preparing your Child for Hospitalization

For Family Accommodation
Sleeping at the hospital
If your child is hospitalized overnight at Children's Hospital Boston, one parent can stay with the child in his or her room. Chairs in most patient rooms fold out into cots, while there are beds built into the window alcoves of the new Main South. There are showers in each patient room for parents to use, and lockers and safes where you can secure valuables.
Please notify your child's nurse if you would like to stay overnight in your child's room.

Dormitory-style parent rooms are available for parents of patients in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Towels and bed linens are provided. There is also space for one parent to sleep next to their child in the new CICU. Laundry facilities are located on the 1st floor of the Farley Building.

A vending machine with personal care items, such as toothpaste and shampoo, is located on Farley 5 for parents who do not bring their own supplies. The CVS in the Main Lobby also stocks these types of items.

For Health Professional
Children's Hospital Boston is committed to improving access to and communication with our specialists and services for community providers. While Meet the Team and Clinical Services provide convenient access to Children's specialists and services, we have created For Health Professionals to assist community providers with other informational and access needs.

ABOUT THE TEAM

This information is reposted with thanks to the Children's Hospital Boston.