Welcome to the Children’s Haematology Oncology Centre (CHOC) at Christchurch Hospital.
CHOC is one of two specialist treatment centres for childhood cancer in New Zealand, the other being Starship Hospital. We care for infants, children and adolescents with cancer, and their families/whanau. CHOC comprises 11 in-patient beds, each with an ensuite. There is also a Day Stay area where some children receive a continuation of their treatment, be provided supportive treatment like antibiotics or blood and blood products and, have check-ups.
It’s a daunting experience discovering you have a life changing illness to deal with, and there is so much information coming at you and your family from all directions. We are here to assist and support you throughout your child’s treatment.
The health care team here at CHOC is focused on helping you and your family settle in and get through this challenging time. Please feel comfortable to ask lots of questions and we will help you find the answers.
Controlling the spread of infection is vitally important for the wellbeing of CHOC patients. If family/whānau members are unwell with a cold, flu, ‘tummy bug’, or have been in contact with anyone with an infectious disease such as measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough or chicken pox in the last two to three weeks, please do not visit. Specifically, if you or a member of your family has had gastroenteritis they should not visit for at least 48 hours after resolution of symptoms. Discuss the problem with your Oncologist or senior nurse if it is a close family/whānau member or caregiver who is unwell. If a sibling or patient themselves has been in close contact with an infectious person at school or preschool please contact CHOC for further guidance and advice on this.
At Te Whatu Ora we have a hand hygiene policy in which we follow, to reduce the spread of infection.
TIP// We strongly advise you to regularly wash your hands with either; soap and water or hand sanitiser provided around the ward. This is to not only keep your own child safe but also the other children on the ward.
Please ensure you are performing good hand hygiene upon entering CHOC, when handling food, using the family or activity room and when assisting your child with hygiene cares, as well as any other time appropriate. If you feel as though a member of staff has not appropriately washed their hands before touching your child for any intervention/procedure please feel free to ask them to.
The family room is located next to the Activity Room on CHOC, down the right corridor past the day stay area.
The family room is open for families to use 24/7, offering cooking facilities and a sitting area to relax and interact with other families on the ward. The cupboards, fridge and freezer are filled with snacks, food to be cooked and frozen meals for families to help themselves to. This food is donated by the Child Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House, but please be mindful that this is for all families on the ward.
TIP// If you wish to bring your own food in, please store it in a labelled container in the fridge, freezer or drawer provided.
There are drawers that are numbered with each room number to allow storage space for each family, in this draw is a container that is also labelled with your room number that you can use for fridge storage. Remember to take all your food home on discharge as we have limited space. Also, please ensure food has not expired or past its use by date.
NOTE// Alcohol is not permitted within the hospital.
Cooking facilities include:
TIP// It is very important to keep the kitchen clean at all times. Please remember a lot of our children are susceptible to infection. Hand hygiene is an important when using the shared facilities and when preparing food.
NOTE// The hospital has a hot drink policy that requires everyone to use cups that ensure a secure lid to prevent spillages of hot fluids.
We encourage families and children to utilise the space and eat their meals in the dining area of the kitchen to establish a normal daily routine, as you would at home for your child.
The Southern Health School is a State Special School for students for Years 1-13. Primary and Secondary school students who are missing school time due to their illness and spending time in hospital have access to this service to help keep them learning and get them back to school as soon as they are well enough. They prepare and locate resources and learning programmes for students. Arrange correspondence school lessons for students as appropriate as well as online learning. Part of their role is to liaise with students’ usual school and teachers, to support each students’ learning needs. Social work will help you with your child’s enrolment into Health School.
At some stage of diagnoses you will meet with a member of Child Cancer Foundation (CCF), who offer support for the patient and families that have a child living with the impacts of cancer. They offer personalised support for families whilst going through a stressful time. They assist with travel costs, personal development grants, household support and support in the community. CCF also have holiday homes that they allow families to book and spend time together. Social work is able to assist you with the help and support you require from CCF.
CCF also have the Beads of Courage programme which provides a physical story behind a child’s cancer journey. Each bead represents a treatment, an experience or milestone throughout their treatment. There is also a Siblings Beads of Courage programme, please speak with your Family Support Coordinator from CCF for further information on this.
CanTeen is a support service that offers a wide range of services for those aged 13-24 dealing with cancer treatment. It is not only offered to the individual themselves undergoing treatment but is also a support service for siblings. They offer individual support as they understand everyone is affected differently. They have specially trained staff and youth workers who run events and programmes that allow our older children to meet other young people in similar situations as them. It is a service that helps young people to develop new coping skills and to have fun. They are available to work with you face to face, over the phone or on skype. Social work is able to help you to gain contact with a member of CanTeen to get the support you need.
It is really important that you feel comfortable to call CHOC if you have any concerns regarding your child’s treatment and condition. Our friendly ward assistant or CHOC nurse will answer the phone and assist you as best they can.
Our CHOC 24-hour hotline is 03 364 1821
The Activity Room is a licensed Education Centre that provides educational resources for inpatient paediatric patients from birth to 16 years. Parents and children can access educational resources to take back to their room.
The Activity Room is staffed by registered teachers/hospital play specialists. They are available on request and their role includes: provision of developmentally appropriate distractions for procedures and medical interventions, support for anxiety, fears and settling into the hospital environment.
A telephone is available for parents. Please ask your nurse for assistance with this.
NOTE// Cell phones must not be used within one metre of medical equipment.
Patient enquiries to the ward need to be kept to a minimum due to our busy area. Please liaise with other family/whānau members to avoid disruption during the day. Patient confidentiality restricts us from giving out information over the telephone. You can phone 03 364 0640 and ask for patient enquiries. Basic information about your child’s condition will be given. Anything more will need to come from you or a family member.
Toilets and showers are located within your child’s room. You can access towels from the ward. Please ensure privacy and consideration for others. When finished with towels or linen, please place them into the appropriate coloured laundry bag at the end of the hall.
There is a washing machine and dryer available for families located within the Ward. Washing powder is also available. Do not use these machines if your child is in isolation, please talk to your nurse.
The family room is located next to the Activity Room on CHOC, down the right corridor past the day stay area.
The family room is open for families to use 24/7, offering cooking facilities and a sitting area to relax and interact with other families on the ward. The cupboards, fridge and freezer are filled with snacks, food to be cooked and frozen meals for families to help themselves to. This food is donated by the Child Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald House, but please be mindful that this is for all families on the ward.
TIP// If you wish to bring your own food in, please store it in a labelled container in the fridge, freezer or drawer provided.
There are draws that are numbered with each room number to allow storage space for each family, in this draw is a container that is also labelled with your room number that you can use for fridge storage. Remember to take all your food home on discharge as we have limited space. Also, please ensure food has not expired or past its use by date.
NOTE// Alcohol is not permitted within the hospital.
Cooking facilities include:
TIP// It is very important to keep the kitchen clean at all times. Please remember a lot of our children are susceptible to infection. Hand hygiene is an important when using the shared facilities and when preparing food.
NOTE// The hospital has a hot drink policy that requires everyone to use cups that ensure a secure lid to prevent spillages of hot fluids.
We encourage families and children to utilise the space and eat their meals in the dining area of the kitchen to establish a normal daily routine, as you would at home for your child.
This shared play area is for Children inpatients and their families/whanau. It is located on level 7 and has Radio Lollipop located within this space. This is open from 8am to 8pm.
Free public Wi-Fi internet access is available in Christchurch Hospital for members of the public. Follow the five steps below to connect any wireless device to our free Wi-Fi.
Sites and content deemed inappropriate will be blocked when using the service. Similarly content accessed by people within Te Whatu Ora facilities on their own network is subject to Te Whatu Ora policy. It will not be possible to download material like movies due to file size.
Christchurch’s beautiful Botanic Gardens are open to the public. They have the closest playground to the hospital and are definitely worth a visit. They also have a golf course, tennis courts and outdoor bowling green.
Distance 1km, 15 min walk
Admire the botanic gardens or the changing face of the city centre while being expertly guided gently along the Avon River on an authentic Edwardian punting tour.
[insert pic – Punting on the Avon]
Where Depart from the Antigua Boatsheds, Cambridge Terrace
(300m, 4 min walk)
Hours 9.00am-6.00pm (October to March)
10.00am-4.00pm (April to September)
More info www.welcomeaboard.co.nz/punting/
Housed in an exquisite historic building, Canterbury Museum is world renowned for its natural and human history collections. A frequently changing programme of exhibitions and events complements the museum’s permanent displays. Of particular interest are the outstanding Maori exhibits, the Victorian Christchurch Street and the Antarctic collection. There is also interactive fun for the children in the Discovery area. Browse the museum shop or relax in the café, with tree-top views of the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
[insert pic – Canterbury museum]
Where Rolleston Avenue, City 8013, Christchurch
(500m from Parkside Hospital entrance,
5 min walk)
Hours 9.00am-5.30pm (October to March)
9.00am–5.00pm (April to September)
Phone +64 3 366 5000
More info www.canterburymuseum.com
Information taken from Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism at www.christchurchnz.com
Combine history and sightseeing while enjoying a journey through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram.
Where: closest stop to the hospital is by the Canterbury Museum
(500m, 5 min walk)
Hours 9.00am-6.00pm (September to March)
10.00am-5.00pm (April to August)
More information http://welcomeaboard.co.nz/christchurch-tram/
Main public library located in Cathedral Square. As well as the usual reading and study spaces there are also spaces for other activities, such as the Discovery Wall which lets you swipe through a virtual world on New Zealand’s largest digital touch-screen, children’s play zone, craft sessions, etc.
Where cnr Colombo Street and Gloucester Road, Christchurch
(1.4km, 14 min walk)
Hours 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
For further information see the Christchurch City Council website
The spectacular Christchurch Art Gallery, just a few minutes’ walk from Cathedral Square, exhibits a range of local and international exhibitions. Browse through one of New Zealand’s largest art collections, including a superb selection of works by Canterbury artists. Enjoy one of the free guided tours or use the iPod audio tour. There is also an exciting programme of events and family/whānau activities. The building was used as Civil Defence headquarters for Christchurch following the earthquakes.
Where cnr Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch
(850m, 10 min walk)
Hours 10.00am to 9.00pm
Phone +64 3 941 7300
Further info https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz
The Margaret Mahy Playground is on the banks of the Avon River in the Christchurch central city. It features a mix of playground equipment, interactive spaces, gardens, artwork, water features, recreational and picnic areas, visitor parking, and public facilities to be used and enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Where 177 Armagh Street, Christchurch (1.8km 22 min walk along the Avon River to Armagh Street, or a 10 min drive)
New Zealand wildlife, conservation and Maori culture joining in harmony for up close, hands on and personal experience for young and old. 100% Kiwi viewing guarantee.
Where Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road, Harewood 8051, Christchurch
(11km, 20 min drive)
Hours daily 10.00am to 10.00pm
Phone +64 3 359 6226
More info www.willowbank.co.nz
The Antarctic Attraction is the modern day shop window for Antarctica. This is a fun, exciting and hands-on experience for all the family/whānau to enjoy. This includes the indoor Snow & Ice Experience, the Penguin Encounter which is New Zealand’s first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area featuring Little Blue penguins and an exhilarating outdoor adventure ride in the Hagglund, a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle. A free penguin shuttle to the Antarctic Centre leaves on the hour from outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue.
Where 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Harewood 8053, Christchurch
(11km, 20 min drive)
Phone 0508 736 4846
More info www.iceberg.co.nz
Come and marvel at our collection of classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, take a guided tour and step back in time in a replica 1940’s home. Your journey through the Air Force Museum of New Zealand will be something very special.
Where 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram 8042, Christchurch (7.5km, 14 min drive)
Hours daily 10.00am to 5.00pm
Phone +64 3 343 9532
More info www.airforcemuseum.co.nz
Stroll Ferrymead Heritage Park’s village – a snapshot of Christchurch life in the 1900s – and explore specialty technology museums including rural history, printing, photography and film, radio and gramophones, post and telegraph and aeronautics. A steam train runs every summer Sunday and the first Sunday of March to November. Trams run every weekend, school holidays and public holidays. Admission includes unlimited train and tram rides. [insert link to https://www.ferrymead.org.nz/Admission/ ]
Where 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heathcote 8022, Christchurch (10.4km, 20 min drive)
Hours 10.00am to 4.30pm every day except Christmas Day
Phone: +64 3 384 1970
More info www.ferrymead.org.nz
Check out other attractions in and around the city by visiting the Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
A6 Child Haematology and Oncology Centre (CHOC)
Level 6, Waipapa Building
Christchurch Hospital Campus
Consultant Oncologists are essentially in charge of your child’s medical care. Any decision about their treatment, medication, interventions or stay in hospital will be made in consultation with the family/whanau and other members of the medical team as is required by your child’s specific case. Any major decisions about your child’s health will be considered firstly and thoroughly by their consultant. It is with the consultant that you should raise any major concerns about changes in your child’s health during their treatment.
The day-to-day medical care for children is provided by two registrars. A Paediatric Registrar is a doctor who is undertaking specialist training in Child Health. We may also have a registrar who is completing their Oncology or Haematology Fellowship who has a particular interest in paediatric oncology and may go on to become a Paediatric Oncologist/Haematologist. They spend one year in CHOC.
Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday the Consultants, Fellow, Registrar and Nurse Practitioner will do a full ward-round and see your child. Every other day your child will be seen by the Fellow, Registrar or Nurse Practitioner.
The Charge Nurse Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the ward and is also available to discuss any concerns you may have on the quality of your child’s care. The Charge Nurse Manager works 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday–Friday and her office is situated at the end of the left corridor opposite day stay unit.
The Nurse Practitioner is an extended nursing role which combines advanced nursing expertise and some roles usually undertaken by medical staff. She attends the ward-rounds and may also examine your child on the days that the ward-round does not occur.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are senior nurses with responsibility for a specific area of nursing, such shared care. They have extended knowledge and expertise in paediatric oncology.
The shared care service has responsibility of coordinating treatment and care for all families who live outside Christchurch. They liaise with the other regions to ensure your child’s treatment is of a consistently high standard.
Our LEAP (Late Effects Assessment Programme) coordinator has the role of organising follow up appointments for families post the end of treatment.
Nurses are responsible for the day-to-day, immediate care of your child. Nurses are allocated according to skill mix and patient acuity. The nurses work eight-hour shifts. Nursing handover times at the end of each shift are:
| Morning Shift: 6.45am | Afternoon Shift: 2.30pm | Night Shift: 10.30pm |
To ensure continuity of care for your child a bedside handover will be performed. We aim to respect your wishes regarding what information is discussed in front of your child. Please let your nurse know of any concerns or questions you may have so they can inform the appropriate staff. Your nurse will complete a care plan in conjunction with you to ensure continuity of care through all shifts.
Hospital Aides keep the ward well stocked with supplies and attempt to keep CHOC tidy. They wear a maroon-coloured uniform. Sometimes Hospital Aides are available to keep an eye on your child for a short period, such as when you are having a meeting with one of the consultants or need a shower. They also answer bells to assist the nurses if the ward is busy. Let your nurse know if you need the hospital aide to provide you some respite to organise a convenient time.
The Ward Clerk deals with all clerical duties on the ward, including patient enquiries, the completion of forms and correspondence regarding the patient.
Every day the Ward Cleaner will clean your room. On Wednesday’s and Sunday’s, the cleaner will also pull the furniture away from the walls to ensure any dust is removed from behind the furniture. Please assist them by picking up your personal belongings off the floor. Not involved in direct patient care, if any queries or concerns please discuss with your nurse.
The Kitchen Aide delivers meals at set times through the day. Not involved in direct patient care, if any concerns or questions please discuss with you nurse.
The Hospital Play Specialists set up the CHOC activity room and cater for all children, including teenagers. Some of your child’s treatment can be difficult to tolerate at times and can be upsetting for you and your family. The Play Specialist can help provide support and distraction during medical procedures and provide toys and art supplies to relieve boredom. Additionally, parents and children can access educational resources to take back to their room, including wipeable resources if they are in isolation.
The social work team provides an ongoing service to all families who come to Christchurch Hospital. They recognise that families who are caring for a sick child experience considerable disruption to their lives.
The Social Workers in CHOC are available to provide emotional and practical support for you and your family, including providing information about financial supports. The social workers can link you up with social support systems in your local community including transport/hospital parking assistance, accommodation, counselling services, interpreters and community support groups such as Child Cancer Foundation.
You probably have lots of questions and feelings to sort out in your head as you adjust to changes in your life. The people who care for you may be very emotional too. Having feelings of shock, anger and fear are all normal. The Psychologist’s job is to help you and your family to cope and adjust. They will talk to you about ways to manage your emotional reactions and behaviour in a healthy way. If you wish for support at any time please let your nurse know and she will contact a psychologist on your behalf.
There may be a number of different medicines your child needs to take and it is very important they are taken as prescribed. In addition to the nursing staff, the pharmacist can help you and your family understand what each drug is for, and inform you of the common side effects and special precautions you need to take.
A special yellow medication card will be written for you and your family, with all the information you need about the drugs you will take when you are at home. It is a good idea for you and/or your parent/caregiver to take the yellow medication card wherever you go. You will have a record of all the medications you are taking, in case of an emergency. Your prescription may change as you progress through your treatment time and your yellow medication card will need adjusting from time to time.
Ngā Ratonga Hauroa Māori, Christchurch Hospital and Christchurch Women’s Hospital will provide āwhina/support to tūroro/patient and whānau/family while they are using the hospital. Our doors are open to all cultures.
Our role is to assist tūroro through the hospital system and make the journey as smooth as possible. We are available to assist you:
To contact us (03) 364 0640 ext.86160.
Our Physio Therapists help children to achieve their optimal physical development. They have specialist knowledge in the movement and development to help with possible physical changes that may occur throughout your child’s treatment, whether it is disease or treatment related.
Our Occupational Therapists (OT) enable children to participate fully in the activities of life, covering self-care, productivity and play or care.
Throughout your child’s treatment they will be referred to the dentist for education to ensure adequate oral health, as some treatments can have a large effect on teeth, gums and oral mucosa.
All children in CHOC will be referred to the dietician on their first admission. The Dietitian will monitor your child’s food intake and weight and prescribe nutritional supplements to help maintain a healthy weight and energy level. Medication can alter appetite and the way some foods taste. It is very important that your child gets the correct amount of nutrition they need throughout treatment. The Dietitian can also provide ideas on tasty meal options and is also available on request to discuss any nutritional questions about your child.
Questions are best asked about your child’s condition and treatment when the doctors are reviewing your child on ward round in the mornings. We encourage you to ask questions so that you can gather a good understanding of your child’s condition and treatment required. If you are wanting to request to see a member of staff whether that be your Oncologist, Dietitian , Physio etc then please speak with your nurse who can liaise with them to arrange a time that suits you both.
Chaplains respond to the spiritual, emotional and pastoral needs of patients and their whanau/family. We do this by being a ‘presence’, by listening, affirming other cultures and religions, and by prayers, blessings, encouragement and support. their clinical condition.
Chaplains are available office hours on site Monday – Friday and after hours for emergencies via the operator for the on-call chaplain.
Rev. Moega Lasei Ph 021 712 895 / Ext 86358
Sheila Mark, Chaplain Ph 021 569 604 / Ext 89555
Pastor Donna Reid Ph 021 198 6927 / Ext 89555
Rev. Helen Gray, Maori Chaplain Ph 021 730 457 / Ext 86372
Rev. Alexa Evenden, Chaplain – Women’s and Children’s Health Ph 021 708 853 / Ext 85722
Angela McCormick, Roman Catholic Chaplain Ph 021 702 378 / Ext 89554
The team at the Children's Haematology Oncology Centre (CHOC) belong to several international study groups:
These groups develop treatment trials for most paediatric oncology conditions, often comparing the best-known treatment with a subtle variation. During a trial, treatment and associated side-effects and long-term outcome are closely monitored. Clinical Research Associates/ Coordinators (CRAs) on CHOC manage the study-related activities.
If a child, adolescent or young adult is considered eligible for a clinical trial, the details of this will be discussed. The parents and patient (if appropriate for age) will be given an Information Sheet and Consent Form relating to the particular trial. Entry onto a clinical trial is voluntary.
All parents will be given an Information Sheet and Consent form about tissue banking for them to consider. The Tissue Bank ensures that tissue, in excess of that required for diagnosis, already taken or removed at surgery can be saved and kept to allow future research with the potential to further advance knowledge about the condition.
CHOC participates in the New Zealand Child Cancer Registry, this is funded by the Ministry of Health to ensure accurate data is kept about the type and incidence of Childhood Cancers in New Zealand.
As a unit involved in research, we are required to ensure that the Health and Disability Ethics Committee (HDEC) has approved all studies before they are opened at our centre. HDEC reviews and approves all aspects of the study, including the Patient Information Sheets and Consent forms.
LEAP stands for Late Effects Assessment Programme. It is a Te Whatu Ora service providing long term follow up for survivors of childhood cancer.
The New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy, Action Plan 2005-2010, identified the need to "ensure all survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer receive timely and ongoing support and rehabilitation, including the identification of, and intervention in, late effects" (Goal 4, objective 3, phase 1).
It is estimated that around half of child cancer survivors will have at least one significant problem related to their treatment, for example problems with growth and development, learning and thinking skills, hearing loss, heart damage or fertility.
In response to the Cancer Control Strategy, with initial funding from the Ministry of Health, LEAP commenced as a national programme in 2006, in the three cancer centres for New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch).
Long term follow up clinics – multi-disciplinary clinics and nurse-led clinics across the South Island
Neuropsychological assessments (including psychological adjustment, learning and thinking)
Psychosocial assessment and interventions (including therapy sessions, referrals to other agencies)
Adolescent transition to primary health care
Individual treatment summary, known as a "Health Passport" that provides risk based guidelines. A copy is given to the patient and General Practitioner
A national database that incorporates the New Zealand Children's Cancer Register (NZCCR) with LEAP data, and the ability to output health passports for patients and their health care providers
Clients already under the care of the paediatric oncologists are transferred into LEAP at the appropriate time – once treatment and disease surveillance is considered sufficient (from 2-5 years, dependant on the cancer). LEAP also takes referrals from the adult oncology service and GP's for clients who have previously left paediatric care but now require late effects follow up. Clients can even refer themselves (or their child) by contacting the LEAP team directly.
The core team comprises:
Dr Amanda Lyver
Dr Siobhan Cross
Dr Tristan Pettit
Dr Andrew Dodgshun
Dr Awras Majeed
Shannae Kean and Kate Spill
Mikaela Eder
Generally, it’s better to maintain normal household schedules while in hospital, but this is not always possible due to a child’s medication, treatment or effects. If you would like support from staff to encourage your child to maintain their routines, please discuss with your nurse.
Your child and family/whānau will be introduced to your nurse and orientated to the ward. Information will be given to you regarding your child’s care and treatment and the results discussed with you. Please feel free to discuss with the nursing and/or medical staff any queries or concerns you may have during your stay. Your belongings are kept on the ward at your own risk. Please keep your valuables with you at all times.
We will provide you with discharge letters, scripts, instructions and any relevant information regarding your child’s follow up. Please notify your nurse when leaving. Please check your room before leaving to ensure you have taken all your belongings, including checking sockets and storage unit.
A menu is circulated each morning for you and your child to choose what will be served for lunch and dinner. Help yourself to cereal, toast, hot drinks and fruit, available in the kitchen. However, if you want porridge you may choose that option on the menu. Please leave your completed form on your bedside table, or with your nurse.
If your child is not eating due to nausea or the effects of treatment, parents can help themselves to the hospital meal provided. Meals are only provided by the hospital for patients and breastfeeding mothers.
The kitchen is located next to the playroom in the CHOC Day Stay Unit and is open 24/7. You will find some snacks for yourself and your child here, donated by the Child Cancer Foundation and Ronald McDonald, but please be mindful this is for all families.
If you wish to bring in your own food, please store it in a labelled container in the fridge, freezer or drawer. Remember to take all your food home on discharge as we have very limited space. Also, please ensure food has not expired or past its best to use dates.
NOTE// No alcohol is permitted within the hospital.
Cooking facilities include:
NOTE// It is very important to keep the kitchen area clean at all times. Please remember a lot of our children are susceptible to infections.
The hospital has a hot drink policy that requires everyone to use the cups provided and ensure the lid is secure to prevent spillage of hot fluids.
We encourage families and children to eat their meals in the dining area of the kitchen to establish a normal daily routine, as you would at home for your child. This also decreases the infection risk of having food within your child’s room.
Infectious patients and family members are not permitted to use the kitchen area. Please be mindful, our CHOC children are susceptible to infections, thank you.
Other meals are not provided, except in special circumstances in which case the caregiver should consult the Charge Nurse or Social Worker to see if they qualify for meal vouchers.
You can also view and download a PDF file version of the map of A6 Child Haematology and Oncology Centre (CHOC) Ward Map (2.5MB, PDF)
Page last updated: 2 November 2023
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