I can speak for my experience in RCH Brisbane in the Robertson Ward. I found it super hard to get info for James' first stay so I've complied this to hopefully help others. Please ask me anything ♥️
Cleaning
Gorgeous Jess in Adelaide sent me a great list of things to clean on arrival. If there are 2 of you one adult go in while the other stays with the bub / child and anti bac the shit out of the room! We were told to pay attention to the following : fridge, light switches, door handles, remotes, taps, cupboards (in and out) and especially the cot if using one (ours had a lot of blood all over it!). Jess was right these areas all needed extra attention. We don't use chemicals at home but when we get admitted we do spray the room with glen 20 and come back in 30 mins! Especially the fridge, sinks and bathrooms.
For bubs
Bibs are available - grab a whole heap.
Grag a high chair and after giving it a good clean and keep it in your room.
There is a CF kitchen with sink, fridge, freezer and cooking facilities. Although a CF child can not enter the kitchen (or loiter in the corridor) so it can tricky to actually get in there to cook or even reheat if you are on your own. This kitchen also has additional snacks for CF families like milks, cereals, saos, spreads, bread, shakes and milo.
There is linen for the patient and staying parent so help yourself to the trolleys. Towels, sheets, pillows, blankets etc. So you only need to bring special pillows etc if you or child need.
Food
Food is pretty bad. If you're like me and in a health fund some subsidise meals for parents. Ie Bupa is about $30 a day. So keep receipts. Breastfeeding mums however do get fed meals for free. The meals though are pretty shocking and it's potato potato potato (fried, chips, mash, hash browns, gems etc). So ask visitors to bring meals or healthy snacks. Our first admission we had time to prepare so I and friends cooked healthy mum and bub meals to heat in there. Dad brought more in every few days.
The cafés are not the greatest either. We took our own bread, butter etc. Coffee!!! The coffee shop in the wall at the enterance of RCH opens 630 weekdays and over the weekend or public holidays the royal women's cafe opens at 700. Just have to walk over. The cafe at Rch only opens over lunch on weekends so there's not a lot for parents.
Local takeaways do deliver to the hospital though and once you get antibiotic levels right you can leave to go to local supermarket or Resturant.
Other facilities
There is a washer and dryer. One in parents lounge and another just for CF families on the ward.
There is a parents lounge (no kids allowed) and Internet in the lounge.
Entertainment
Take your child's favourite things to do to keep them occupied. Something's there are long waits. We take books and toys. iPads are great for us to use as a distraction during blood tests and dressing changes.
Cf Qld also provided a boredom buster bag, but not age appropriate for a toddler so don't rely on this.
There is a tv at each bed which is free in the Rch.
We used an iPad for needles, dressing changes and iv's! Distraction is the key.
Speak up
Don't be afraid to speak up. Question if staff or visitors have washed hands. The nurses often do it before entering, but kitchen staff open and close door often without so just watch for this. Also watch what's being administered. We had issues with a double dose of hepron for a week! Also learn the ropes vas don't reply on nurses to keep you to schedule. For the first few days antibiotic levels may be tested to check if they are right (weight dose etc) these are 2 and then 2 hours after the dose began. Sometimes there are agency staff who are not experienced with Toby iv's or enzymes so keep on top of everything :-)
This is our Packing list
Clothing (some warm as it get cold on the ward)
Shoes
Hats
Toiletries
Cleaning wipes / glen 20 etc
Toys or activities
Books for you to read / iPad
Air cleaner / diffuser
Medicine
Enzymes
Apple purée
Vitamins
Supps
Oils
Snacks
Chargers
Sleeping comforter
Sippy cup
Spoons
Few containers / plastic plates
Pram / ergo baby
Nappies
Wipes
Chest rub
Backpack for iv's to come home
Water bottle
Wallet
Phone
Try bring home clear bags and extra tubey grip as you will need to keep iv pack and dressing clean and dry. If you coming home on iv's grab a small backpack lesh and remove the lesh. It's the perfect size for iv bottle. Thanks for that tip and lend Megan and Eve.
http://cfsmart.org/films/
Xx
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