Advice and Support

Advice & Support

Welcome to our support hub for parents with little ones in the hospital! We're here to provide you with advice and a caring community. Whether you need tips on creating a comforting space or navigating the healthcare journey, we've got your back. We would love to add to our page, please let us know of any other helpful hints, tips and or support available for parents.

The Little Orange Book, Created by the NHS

As parents, we know the worry for our little ones never ends, especially when they're not feeling their best. Luckily, the NHS has this awesome online guide called the Little Orange Book—it's like an amazing handbook for parents! Packed with expert advice, it's your go-to guide on choosing the right health care for your child. If you ever feel unsure, go with your gut and don't hesitate to seek expert advice. Click the link below! And save it to your favorites on your phone.

View The Little Orange Book

Too Good To Go

Save on food costs during your hospital stay by using the Too Good To Go app. Restaurants and shops offer surplus food at a discounted price, usually between £3-£8. Simply get the app, purchase a surprise bag, and enjoy items worth more than what you pay. Popular options like Starbucks, Costa, M&S, and Krispy Kreme are available. Check it out on your app store for affordable and convenient meal options! Not only do the "Magic Bags" save you money, they also help prevent food waste, reduce greenhouse gasses and create a more sustainable future.

Visit Too Good To Go

The Little Orange Book, Created by the NHS

As parents, we know the worry for our little ones never ends, especially when they're not feeling their best. Luckily, the NHS has this awesome online guide called the Little Orange Book—it's like an amazing handbook for parents! Packed with expert advice, it's your go-to guide on choosing the right health care for your child. If you ever feel unsure, go with your gut and don't hesitate to seek expert advice. Click the link below! And save it to your favorites on your phone.

View The Little Orange Book

Too Good To Go

Save on food costs during your hospital stay by using the Too Good To Go app. Restaurants and shops offer surplus food at a discounted price, usually between £3-£8. Simply get the app, purchase a surprise bag, and enjoy items worth more than what you pay. Popular options like Starbucks, Costa, M&S, and Krispy Kreme are available. Check it out on your app store for affordable and convenient meal options! Not only do the "Magic Bags" save you money, they also help prevent food waste, reduce greenhouse gasses and create a more sustainable future.

Visit Too Good To Go

The Great North Children's Hospital

The Great North Children’s Hospital is one of 14 major children's centres in the uk and specialise in fields such as respiratory, children’s A&E, Cancer services and bone marrow transplants to name a few. The hospital is located within the Royal Victoria Infirmary and has up to 245 beds available. Visit the hospital's website for further information. 🌈🦒

Parking

The multi-Storey car park is the easiest place to park as there is direct access into level 2 of the hospital through level 4 of the car park.For in patients there is a discounted rate on parking permits that can be issued by the ward staff during your child’s stay. These can be shared amongst family members but can only use one permit at one time, it's ideal if both parents are wanting to stay or if grandparents want to visit to keep the parking costs down.

Food & Drink

On the wards, a parent kitchen provides essentials for making beverages, and snacks are available. Store personal items with your name and room number; unlabeled items are free for everyone. On the ground floor, the New Victoria Wing has a Costa cafe with vending machines and a shop. The vending machines near the escalators are cheaper for drinks. Level 2 features a Subway and a cost-effective hot food counter. Download the Subway app for rewards. Ready-to-go food is available. The food court operatesMonday to Friday from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Social Worker

Each ward has a ward manager and a designated social worker who will be able to help you with anything and if they are unable to help they will point you towards someone who can help. The best advice would be to speak to these people as soon as possible as they can take a while to gather all the information they need and don't work on the weekend. Don’t feel like you are a burden to them, they are there to help and want too. Their contact details are below.

Monday to Thursday: 8:45am – 5:00pm

Friday: 8:45am – 4:30pm

Telephone: 0191 282 5334or ask ward staff to contact the team on your behalf.There is also a citizens advice representative who works with families and helps calculate any benefits you may be entitled to. Such as claiming DLA and any other grants from the government. Please check with the ward staff for the times they work as it may differ.

Entertainment

On the second floor of the new Victoria Wing, a complimentary cinema is available for children and their families, typically showing on Saturdays and Thursdays (ward staff can provide specific times). Meet Daisy, the therapy dog, who brings joy through tricks, cuddles, and kisses, especially comforting for those missing pets at home. Each ward features a play specialist dedicated to enhancing children's hospital experiences with activities like arts and crafts, games, and support for parents. Outside, accessible through the children's outpatient department, there's a playground for siblings and friends, but availability depends on the child's care needs—worth inquiring about.

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Sunderland Royal Hospital is located near the town center and is highly accessible via public transport. The hospital provides acute inpatient and outpatient services to people across Sunderland and South Tyneside.It also provides a range of specialist services to the wider region. Including vascular, renal and cardiolology services. 🏥🧸

Parking

There is a multi story car park as well as several other places to park in the hospital grounds. We would recommend buying a week pass for £10.00 instead of a day pass for £8.00.

They operate a pay on exit car-parking system. There are payment kiosks near all main entrances and accept cash and card.

Food & Drinks

There are several vending machines around the hospital for drinks and snacks. Generally located near the lifts and main stairwell. Additionally, you can find a cafeteria on Floor A, offering hot and cold meals. Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 5pm

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 09:00 - 13:00

A cafe on Floor B, next to the Main Reception. The shop on Floor B provides a variety of sandwiches, snacks, confectionery, and drinks.

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 4.30pm

Entertainment

Each room has a TV with radio that is free between 6:00am until 7:00pm on the children's wards. Outside of these hours, you can buy a card to access TV services.

Does your local hospital need support?

We're eager to collaborate with you in supporting other hospitals through various initiatives and events. Your ideas and suggestions are vital in expanding our reach and making a difference in more communities. Get in touch with us to explore ways we can work together to spread awareness and raise funds for hospitals in need.

Submit a Request