Admission to the Strand, Bos, or Stad ward

We are visiting the WAKZ for the first time.

When your child has their first appointment at the WAKZ, he/she must first be registered. To do this, you must report to the registration desk in the central hall of the LUMC 30 minutes before the appointment. For this registration, we require the following information from you:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number(s)
• GP
• Your child's insurance card
• Proof of identity of your child (passport or identity card)
• Name of your pharmacy

If your child is a newborn, you must first register him or her with the health insurance company. You will then receive a policy number from the insurer. Please provide this number to the ward secretary if it is already known during the admission. If so, please provide it to the medical administration after the admission via 071 526 26 75.

Once registration is complete, follow the route number to Kinderpoli STAD (652), Kinderafdeling Bos (650) or Kinderafdeling Strand (649). The wards are on the 6th floor and can be reached via the J-lift core.

Important! 
Childhood illnesses such as chickenpox or measles can be dangerous for hospitalized children. Therefore, it is important that you contact us before admission if you suspect that childhood illnesses are occurring in your environment. For example, in your family or at your child(ren)'s school. You can contact the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic.

Phone number: 071 526 28 11.

We have been to the WAKZ before.

Even if you have been to the WAKZ before, your child must be registered in the central hall of the LUMC.

You register at a registration kiosk by scanning your child's passport or identity card. After this, you will receive another 'ticket'.

Now follow the route number to Kinderpoli Stad (652); Kinderafdeling Bos (650) or Kinderafdeling Strand (649).

Important! 
Childhood illnesses such as chickenpox or measles can be dangerous for hospitalized children. Therefore, it is important that you contact us before admission if you suspect that childhood illnesses are occurring in your environment. For example, in your family or at your child(ren)'s school. You can contact the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic Stad. Telephone number: 071 526 28 11.

Preparing your child

Your child's admission to the WAKZ can be unexpected (acute) or take place by appointment. You can prepare your child for a planned admission in various ways.

Children's books

There are various children's books you can read with your child in preparation:

• Nijntje in het ziekenhuis (2-4 years), Dick Bruna 
• Hartsvriendjes, avonturen van Kris Krokodil (ages 4 and up). Available to order via the Dutch Heart Foundation . For children who have to undergo heart surgery.
• De koning van het ziekenhuis (ages 4 and up), Stefan Boonen  
• Lucas en de slaapdokter (ages 4 and up), Stefan Boonen 
• Bezoekuur (ages 8 and up), Christa Carbo 
• Auww! (ages 9 and up), Veronica Hazelhoff

It is also useful to check out the website of the Kind en Ziekenhuis Foundation .

• This also includes tools and information on preventing pain, anxiety, and coercion in children in medical care; see trauma-free child care .
• Additionally, if you have any questions, you can contact Medical Pedagogical Care via pedagogischezorgwakz@lumc.nl or by telephone at 071 526 38 64.

What to bring for your child

• Does your child take medication? If so, please bring it from home in the original packaging. (It sometimes happens that not all medications are in stock, and the doctor/nurse will immediately have a clear overview of your child's medication use.)
• If your child is on a diet, please bring the dietary prescription with you.
• Does your child require special food? If so, please bring this food with you.
• Clothing and underwear
• Shoes/slippers
• Toiletries (you do not need to bring towels, washcloths, or diapers)
• A cuddly toy, blanket, cuddle cloth, or toy your child is attached to. This way, your child has something familiar with them.
• Own bottle and/or teat
• Optionally, a sleeping bag for children aged 0 to 2 years

What is your child allergic to (allergy)

It is important for doctors and nurses to know which substances or medicines your child is allergic or hypersensitive to. This allows them to take this into account during treatment.  

Medicines

We would like to know if your child takes medication, so please bring the medication with you to the appointment/admission. A member of staff from the LUMC pharmacy will call you about this shortly before or during the admission. The doctor and nurse will also ask questions about this. Please explain as much as possible how you manage this at home so that this can be taken into account.

It is possible that your child may not be allowed to take certain medications before an operation or examination. If this is the case, you will be informed in time.

Upon discharge, the doctor or someone from the pharmacy will discuss which medications your child will take home. The pharmacy will also explain the best way to administer these to your child and how to store the medication.

Wristband

Your child will receive a wristband with his or her name, date of birth, patient number, and the name of the ward. Your child must wear this wristband at all times during their stay at the LUMC. This way, we always know who he or she is. During medical procedures, such as surgery, a safety check is performed based on the information on the wristband.  

Patient file

The LUMC records your child's data in an online patient file. You may view the medical file at any time; see View medical file for more information . Part of this is also possible via myLUMC:

• Go directly to: MyLUMC

All information is available here in one place. From an overview of appointments and letters to results and important information about the care pathway. You can also request repeat prescriptions and contact your child's healthcare provider here. You can find more information at: website about mijnLUMC .

How do I get access to my child's MyLUMC?

As a parent or guardian with parental authority, you can request authorization to access your child's mijnLUMC environment. Please complete the authorization form in full. Hand it in at the reception desk of the outpatient clinic where your child is receiving treatment. You can find the authorization form and the manual below.

• Authorization Form MyLUMC for Children (via parents/guardian)
• myLUMC Authorization Manual

Visit

Naturally, visitors are welcome; the arrangements regarding this vary by ward and depend on your child's situation and illness. You will be informed about this on the ward.

Siblings are always welcome, but it is important to consult with the nurses if there has been contact with childhood illnesses or if they are sick themselves. Childhood illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles, or rubella, can be dangerous for hospitalized children.

For children under the age of 12, no other visitors are permitted if you, as parents (or substitute caregiver), are not present yourself.

Visit appointments for isolation

When nursing in isolation, a distinction is made between patients with normal immunity who have an infection that poses a potential risk of contagion to others, and patients with reduced immunity who must be protected against infections. Therefore, modified rules apply to children in isolation. If your child is in isolation, you will have received a separate leaflet (Isolation Measures) regarding this. If you have not received this, you may ask for it.

Nurses

During your admission, you may encounter various nurses. Usually, one nurse is responsible for your care. He or she also serves as the contact person for you, your loved ones, and other healthcare providers. Qualified nurses training to become pediatric nurses also work on the ward; they always work under the supervision of a qualified pediatric nurse. Sometimes there are also students training to become nurses; they also always work under supervision.

The nurses all carry smartphones. On these, they receive all types of patient calls.

Important departmental agreements

• Parents and children are not allowed behind the counter, in the kitchen, or in the nursing station. For privacy reasons, we ask that you do not stand around the counter or in the hallway.
• If you or your child needs anything, please call from the room instead of asking at the reception desk.
• Between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, you can use the service bell (yellow button with an 's') to call a service employee with questions regarding food, drinks, or linen.
• Please inform the nursing staff if you, as a parent, are leaving the ward.
• The sofa bed must be folded up during the day.
• Parents are requested to sleep in nightwear or trousers and a shirt.
• Please attach cards, drawings, etc. to the designated areas using magnets.
• Flowers and plants are not allowed in the patient room.
• Due to a latex allergy, self-inflating balloons are not allowed; however, helium balloons are permitted, as these are not made of latex.
• You are responsible for keeping your own teat/bottle clean. You may use the microwave in the parents' room. We recommend purchasing microwave sterilization bags.

Television in the room

There is a television at all beds that you and your child can use free of charge. It is also possible to bring your own television, for example to connect a game console. Please note! As a parent, you are responsible for any damage sustained by the TV during the admission (due to falling over, knocking over, or otherwise). The costs will therefore be at your own expense.

The TV must be placed in the room in such a way that staff activities can be carried out safely at all times. Space in the room is limited; determine where it can be placed together with your child and in consultation with the department staff. As a parent, you are responsible for cleaning and maintenance.

iPad in the room

There is a charging point for an iPad next to each bed. Should your child wish to use a WAKZ iPad, please ask the nurse about this. During the admission, you are responsible for the iPad and liable for theft or loss of the device.  

Entertainment, more than entertainment

There are more enjoyable things to think of than a stay in the children's hospital. That is why the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital makes your child's stay pleasant by offering all kinds of entertainment. 

From making videos to bingo

The Studio KidzFlitz team actively works every week to provide children with distraction. They make television and show everything that goes with it. Exactly what they do depends on your child's wishes. This could include making a video about gaming, creating a craft, recording a vlog, or working behind the scenes.

Every Thursday at 2:30 PM, there is a live broadcast from the studio featuring bingo and sometimes a (famous) guest. During the broadcast, the videos premiere on channel 2.

Anyone who wants to can participate in the activities of Studio KidzFlitz. Would you like to know more? Feel free to drop by the studio at location J-6-44, or ask about it at Medical Pedagogical Care. You can also email Studio KidzFlitz: studiokidzflitz@lumc.nl .

From clowns to magicians

Entertainers regularly visit the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital. These include the CliniClowns, the Liedjesfabriek, Magic Care, Muziek aan bed, and the Regenboogboom. You can find more information about our activities for children on the For Children page.

The care for your child

As a parent, you take care of your child as much as possible yourself during the admission; this includes washing, dressing, brushing teeth, eating and drinking, and putting them to bed.

The administration of medication and other specific nursing procedures (such as tube feeding, wound care, etc.) fall under the responsibility of the nurse. If you were already doing this at home, the nurse will make arrangements with you regarding this.

Because you know your child well as a parent, you are often the first to notice that something is not right. Do not hesitate to inform the nurses if you think your child is in pain or is acting 'strangely' in your opinion.

You know your child best, and therefore your presence is important for your child's safety, development, and resilience.

Rooming in

One parent may stay overnight in your child's room. On the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, rooming-in is only possible under certain conditions.
  
If you are a new mother, the father can also room in consultation with the nurse. This is only possible if there is space on the ward and during the first 7 days after the birth.

If you are unable to be with your child yourself, it is always possible to ask another trusted person to be with your child. It is helpful if you let the nursing staff know when you are leaving (even briefly) and who is present with your child.

If you wish to leave the ward with your child during their stay, please do so in consultation with the nurse. This allows consideration to be given to examinations, medication, or a doctor's visit.

Breastfeeding and pumping

You are breastfeeding your child

The Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital (WAKZ) holds the WHO/UNICEF Care for Breastfeeding certificate. This means that our staff are trained in providing support with breastfeeding.

Do you have questions about the impact on breastfeeding due to your child's admission? You can contact the nurses. They can also guide you in starting breastfeeding if your child is a newborn.

Pumping rooms are available at various locations throughout the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital. A double-sided Medela breast pump is available in these rooms. We prefer that you bring your own pumping kit. You can also purchase a pumping kit during your admission.

Flasks

You can, of course, pump in your child's room; please bring your own breast pump and pumping set(s) for this purpose.

There are a few double-sided Medela breast pumps available on the ward. You can purchase the pumping kits required for this on the ward, and the nurse can assist you with this.

There are two locked pumping rooms (with breast pumps) available at Het Duin; you can pick up the key at the reception desk on the ward.

It is possible to rent a breast pump on the 2nd floor of the LUMC. The 24/7 breast pump rental machine is located next to the restaurant.

Night closure of pediatric wards

The pediatric wards are closed from 20:00 to 07:00 for safety reasons. You will receive a parent pass, which grants you access to the ward. You must activate this every 24 hours. This can be done at the card reader at the ward's reception desk.

Camera

In every patient room, there is a camera above the bed. This allows us to monitor your child with both video and audio at all times, if necessary. You can switch this camera on or off yourself. The button for this is located behind the bed near the headboard on the window side. If the light is on, the camera is off, and vice versa. The images are not recorded and are not stored.  

Safety

Safety is very important. Please adhere to the safety measures below to reduce the risk of accidents during your child's admission.

• The rails of a bassinet or high-rail bed must always be raised when you are not present at the bedside with your child. The nurse will show you how this works upon admission.
• Ensure that no large toys are left in bed when your child is alone. The child could stand on them and still be able to climb over the rail. Also, be careful with small and sharp objects in bed.
• Do not leave medicines in the room where your child or young visitors can reach them.
• At the WAKZ, we work according to the ' Safe Sleep ' principle . It is not always possible to follow all guidelines, for example because your child is too ill. In this case, your child's care and comfort take precedence over 'Safe Sleep'.

For more information regarding safety at the WAKZ, we refer you to the brochure: A safe stay at the LUMC. We do this together!

Photos and video recordings

More and more parents and patients maintain websites on the internet to keep family and friends informed about the progress of their hospital stay and treatment. It is not permitted to mention names or post photos of staff members on these types of websites without the permission of the person in question. This is due to the privacy of our employees. The same applies to media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

Meals for child and parent on the ward

Meals for your child on the ward

During the admission, your child will receive a meal three times a day. Service staff will also come by with drinks. The menu is available in the room.

See also: LUMC Facilities .

Meals for parents on the ward

As a parent, you are responsible for your own meals during the stay. With rooming-in, breakfast is provided. You may bring food and drinks from home and store them in your child's room or in the refrigerator in the parents' room (labeled with name and room number). As a parent, you can also order a hot meal for a fee.

Sleep within walking distance of your child at the Ronald McDonald House

Parents, siblings, and other family members of children admitted to the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital stay at the Ronald McDonald House Leiden. It offers your family a 'home away from home' within walking distance of your sick child. This way, you are close by to read a bedtime story and give a goodnight kiss. Or for those moments when every second counts.

How much does it cost to stay overnight?

The cost of a stay at the Ronald McDonald House is €15 per room, per night. Some insurance companies reimburse these costs. You can ask your health insurer whether this applies to you. If you are unable to afford the costs of the stay but would still like to stay overnight, you can discuss the possibilities with the Social Work Department.

How do I book a room?

You cannot book a room yourself. The staff at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital will do that for you. Should you have any questions regarding overnight stay options, please contact the pediatric ward where your child will be admitted.

Relax in the Ronald McDonald Living Room

The Ronald McDonald Living Room Leiden consists of various spaces spread across the pediatric ward at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, where families can unwind in a home-like environment. The Living Room features two Parent Sitting Rooms: one near the Bos and Strand wards, one near the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and a Family Room in the NICU. Here, you can relax for a moment in between examinations and treatments. It is a real living room where you can sink into the sofa, have a cup of coffee, read the newspaper, eat, or work.

In addition, there is the Roof Garden. This is the place where children, parents, siblings, and friends can feel like they are away from the hospital for a moment. Young and old can relax and play here. Your child can swing, play pool, play games, video games, do arts and crafts, or slide down the slide. On the roof terrace, your family can enjoy a game of chess on the giant chessboard or simply the fresh air. You can also receive visitors here.

Going to school in the hospital

During your child's admission to the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, school continues as usual. It can be difficult to keep track of all their progress at school. Therefore, your child can receive lessons from a consultant from the Educational Provision. We have a classroom on the children's ward for this purpose. However, it is also possible for lessons to be given in your child's room.

We have experienced teachers

Consultants from the Educational Facility (hospital school) focus on educational guidance for sick students up to the age of 21 and have extensive experience as teachers in primary or secondary education.

Staying in touch with your child's school

If your child does not need to stay in the hospital (for long) but is still unable to attend school, the consultant can help you. The consultant also offers assistance if you need to explain to your child's teacher why they cannot go to school. For instance, the consultant can explain what the illness entails and maintain contact with the school. Even if the child is able to attend school but struggles to follow lessons, a consultant can help you. In this way, at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, we ensure that your child can continue to receive the best possible education despite the illness.

ducational Facility can be reached at telephone number 071 526 28 30 or via email address educatievevoorziening@lumc.nl. Our classroom is located at location J6-40 of the Strand ward. More information about educational support for sick students can be found here .

Teenager's room

On C6, ward Strand, there is a teen room. This space is specially furnished for teenagers. Here they can relax, watch television, play games, use the internet, or use a game console. The room is not intended for parents, but friends are welcome. Ask your medical pedagogical care provider (MPZ) about it.  

Children's television

The KidzFlitz television studio is located on the Kinderdaktuin. Children can help make a short film on Mondays and Wednesdays, for example by acting, dancing, interviewing someone, or being interviewed themselves. They can also help with the technical aspects. The films are shown from the studio during the weekly live Bingo broadcast (via an internal channel). A guest talks about their profession or talent in the program. Anyone who wants to can participate. Children can be present in the studio, or watch from the ward and participate actively via telephone. If you have questions about Studio KidzFlitz, you can contact the studio staff or the MPZ (Medical Pedagogical Care Provider).  

Information

If necessary, outpatient appointments, medication, materials, and/or home care will be arranged; the nurse will tell you more about this.

The doctor and the nurse will also tell you what to look out for at home, and you will receive a letter with the most important points to consider after discharge. You can read this in MijnLUMC.

During a discharge interview with the nurse, your child's admission is also evaluated. If you have any further questions regarding your child's support at home, you can ask them during this conversation.

At the conclusion of the admission, the medical-pedagogical care provider can also play a role in aftercare. They can address pedagogical support requests regarding the admission and the transition to the home situation. They are always willing to answer parents' questions, either by telephone or in person.

See also the ' WAKZ Discharge Brochure ' (Dutch).

Your child's reactions after the admission

It is possible that, in response to the hospital admission, your child may temporarily exhibit different behavior at home than you are used to. For example, some children may experience sleep problems during the first few weeks after admission or become anxious if they do not see you for a while. This is often the child's way of processing all the impressions of the hospital stay. It helps to talk to your child about this, for example using a book. 

On the website, you can view the leaflet: 'Moving Forward at Home', which explains how to deal with these 'hospital reactions'. If the problems do not diminish over time, you can discuss this with the pediatrician or medical pedagogica  

Psychological care

For whom

The Child and Adolescent Medical Psychology team at the Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital (WAKZ) provides psychological care to children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 and their families who are under the care of a pediatrician.

Psychological help

The psychological support is intended for children and adolescents as well as the family and consists of:

• Advice regarding questions about the consequences of a medical diagnosis and/or hospitalization for children and young people.
• Psychodiagnostic assessment (cognitive, neuropsychological, and/or social-emotional assessment).
• Informing parents and child about the impact of the illness and medical treatment on the child's development.
• Treatment of psychological and psychiatric problems associated with the illness, such as trauma, anxiety, mood, and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, and their families.
• Strengthening resilience and coping in children, adolescents, and their families.

Treatments

The Medical Psychology team at the WAKZ offers a wide range of treatments. Such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Trauma treatment (EMDR)
• Systemic therapy
• Psychotherapy

Appointment and referral

Your attending pediatrician can request a psychological consultation. The referral is discussed within the team, after which an intake interview takes place. Alternatively, you may be referred to appropriate help outside the hospital.

During the intake interview, we identify the nature of the request for help. We also provide advice and agree on a follow-up plan with you for psychodiagnostic assessment and/or treatment.

Psychologists Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital (WAKZ)

The Child and Adolescent Medical Psychology team consists of clinical psychologists, healthcare psychologists, and master's psychologists. In addition, interns and psychologists in training work there.

• Drs. Sharon Olminkhof, Healthcare Psychologist
• Drs. Nienke Vreeken, healthcare psychologist in specialist training
• Drs. Renske van Leeuwen, Healthcare Psychologist
• Drs. Lieke Vrouenraets, Master Psychologist in training to become a Healthcare Psychologist
• Drs. Marjolijn Kuijt-Vreeken, Master Psychologist
• Drs. Esther Kloeg, Master Psychologist
• Drs. Karlijn van Vliet, generalist educational psychologist
• Drs. Laura van der Nagel, remedial educationalist

Contact

• Location: Medical Psychology Child and Adolescent J6 WardDuin
• Route number: 649
• Phone: 071 526 12 83
  Available: weekdays between 14:00 and 16:00, except Wednesdays
• E-mail: psychologistWAKZ@lumc.nl

Patient experiences

The LUMC strives to ensure that you, as a parent of a patient, are satisfied. Therefore, we welcome your comments or suggestions. These can serve as a signal for us to improve.

You can do this via the Betermeter, an invitation you will receive by email, or via MijnLUMC.

Complaints

It may happen that you are not satisfied with your child's treatment. We would appreciate it if you would try to discuss your complaint with the person(s) directly involved.

If you find it difficult or do not know who to contact, please visit the website: ' Your experience, rights and healthcare costs .' Here you can view our complaints procedure and submit a complaint.