Becoming A Patient: Preparing for a Hospital Stay

The Ronald McDonald® Children’s Hospital of Loyola recognizes that facing a surgery or extended hospitalization for a child can be a stressful time for the entire family. We encourage you to become familiar with the services we offer, and are happy to take you on a personalized pre-operative tour. To schedule one, simply call us at (877 216-KIDS and ask for [RMCH please provide this info].

Here is some important information to help you prepare for your child’s hospital stay:

What to Bring from Home
Bringing some special items from home may help your child feel more comfortable in the hospital. A few special toys, books, pajamas, slippers, DVDs and family pictures will help remind your child of home. All items should be marked with your child's name and should not be shared with other children.

Televisions, DVD Players and Telephones
Patients at the Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital have a television, DVD player and telephone in their rooms. The television and local telephone are free. DVDs are available from the Child Life Program.

For safety reasons, the following items should NOT be brought to the hospital:

• Toys that make sparks
• Electrical equipment
• Small toys that can be swallowed
• Latex balloons
• Fresh flowers (in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit)

Visiting and Amenities
Parents may visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so that children feel more comfortable. Sleeping arrangements can be made for one guest in the child’s room, or you may be able to arrange sleeping arrangements at the Ronald McDonald House Near Loyola. Visitors other than parents are asked to visit during regular hospital visiting hours, which are between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Please talk with your child’s nurse if other arrangements work better for your family.

Bathrooms and Showers: Bathroom and shower facilities for parents are located on the fourth floor of the Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital in the Bear Necessities’ Family Room.

Food Items: A refrigerator and microwave are available in the family room kitchen for parents who wish to bring in food from home. Juice, milk and popsicles are always available on the floor for your child.