[Speeds]

I know that I have a few years before Thomas reaches 16 but a friend of mine has just had to leave her just 16 year old daughter in hospital and:

1.  Was not allowed to stay - she is 16
2.  Is restricted to adult visiting hours - she is 16
3.  Was placed in an adult ward  - she is 16

How do parents with "normal" and "not so normal" children manage this.  To me this visiting hour lark and for a mother not to be able to stay with her 16 year old very frightened daughter who is in pain is ludicrous.

What do you think?  What are your experiences?

[johnvb]

That's ridiculous!

When Michael spent 4 days in hospital for an operation, Paula stayed in with him and I managed to get accomodation in a house provided by the hospital for £5 per night. That was about as good as we could have hoped for - the hospital was an hour from home so I didn't fancy running back and forwards all the time.

John

[Claire]

that  must hae been horrible for her.Some hospitals now have young peoples wards, maybe mid teens to early 20s where parents are allowed to stay too and visiting hours are longer. iIt is a shame this is not the case everywhere.

[scipilot]

This is something I have never thought about but this is so wrong, a 15 year old gets more visits and therefore feels safer and more sucure then BANG they reach 16 and are suddenly forced into a frightening adult world that must feel very sucluded.

I think every person, child or adult should have their visiting needs judged on a one to one basis and on their own merit/needs.

[johnvb]

I think the whole aspect of what happens when our children grow up is terrifying. At the moment they go to fab schools, get lots of help, therapy, things to do and activities. I'm aware this will all change one day when they reach adulthood as I've heard childrens vs adult services are 2 very different things.

John