The needs of a child in the hospital are similar to the needs of a child at home: the need for affection, security, comfort and acceptance. Northeast Regional Medical Center has made a special commitment to understand and meet the special needs of children and their families while they need to be in the hospital.

Our pediatric patients range in age from infants to adolescents. During your child's stay, our nurses make every effort to allow parents and guardians to participate in the care and activities of their child.

Our primary goal is to provide the best family-centered care possible.

Parental Guidelines

Providing family-centered care includes frequent information sharing and support for parents. Our staff needs your help and support to provide the best care for your child. To assist in your child’s wellness, we ask that you abide by the following guidelines:

1. For the health and comfort of all patients, including your child, NO SMOKING is permitted inside the medical center.
2. When leaving your child’s bedside, always pull up the side rails of the bed to their fullest height. Be sure that they are securely locked before leaving. If your child is old enough to understand how to use the nurse call light, make sure it is within his or her reach. Be sure to tell a nurse that you are leaving.
3. If your child is on a restricted diet or is to have nothing by mouth, please do not eat or drink in front of him or her.
4. Keep your valuables safe. Carry your purse or briefcase with you if you leave the room.
5. Showers and baths may be used by parents. Bath linens are available at the nurse’s station.
6. Please do not tape cards or artwork to the wall of the room.
7. Because of the possibility of spreading communicable diseases, please do not go from room to room.
8. If your child is placed in a croupette, please keep him or her in it. The effectiveness of the treatment is security blanket.
9. If you are leaving your child’s room or the medical center, please be sure to tell your child. Make sure your child knows when you will be returning. It can be tempting to slip away when a child is sleeping, playing with other children or watching television. Although you may be able to avoid the child’s tears and pleas to stay, it leaves the child with a feeling of abandonment.
10. Do not give other children food or soda without first getting permission from a nurse or physician. They may be on restricted diets.
11. Please arrange childcare for other small children, if possible, to decrease chance of infection.