The School of NHS

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Forgive me, for those of you in the know the below will seam really obvious, but here  are our top tips for surviving your first hospital admission with a toddler who has CF





  • Coffee, builders tea, mint tea - in whatever form you take it brews are an essential part of your survival kit! Take teaspoons, mugs, a dish cloth and tea towel! Whilst the staff on the ward are fabulous the brew making facilities may not be. Take a few home comforts that will make the experience it a little bit easier! 
  • Toys, games & entertainment! I felt like a bit of a diva rocking up to A&E will all our bags & toys but boy was it worth it! To prevent cross infection you toddler will have a room of their own and will need much entertaining.
  • Work - I enjoy my job and truth be told i have just got back into the swing of it after maternity leave. I didn't want to let people down and truly thought that I could handle a commute, work and hospital visits. In truth I was tired from lack of sleep, didn't want to leave my 19 month olds side and wanted to be around when all the various medical experts visited Eloise. Be realistic with yourself and honest with your work place. If Eloise gets admitted again I think I could juggle both but not for this first time admission 
  • Accept help and offers of food! One week in and we have spent a small fortune on food & brews! If friends & family offer help don't be shy - people want to help!
  • In between treatment we are able to leave the hospital. This is a god send. Eloise's routine has been really disrupted so walks in the local park help her to snooze and burn off energy.  
  • Check out local coffee shops - we picked up a loyalty card and we are looking forward to our free brew!
  • Toddlers are resilient and very adaptable. When we arrive back at the ward Eloise says 'back home' and rather than making me feel sad it makes me feel happy that as she is so comfortable here.
  • An admission is a great opportunity to hone your physiotherapy skills. Take advantage of the physiotherapists - they will review your technique and you can watch them in action 
  • It's really reassuring to have so many people listening to Eloise's chest - enjoy having the experts on hand and ask as many questions as you want!
  • The delights of car parking  - it's expensive so try and get a pass/exception 

Finally, I want to thank all of our friends, family & colleagues who have visited, sent messages, parcels and offers of help. You have no idea how much your words and thoughts mean to us and to Eloise. 





Eloise is doing really well and coping with everything so brilliantly and yes - she did wear her Halloween costume! 




Peace & love 

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