Resources
Staying in the hospital for the first time: Teenagers
When it comes to hospitals, teenagers can be sent to either a children’s hospital or an adult one. We help answer any questions you may have about your hospital stay.
Treatment in hospital
If you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, or about to be admitted into hospital you might be wondering about what treatment will be like. Some young people end up in hospital very quickly once they are diagnosed.
Depending on the hospital, you could be in your own room or sharing a ward with others. As well as wards, hospitals generally have other areas you can hang out in, like lounges and gardens.
When it comes to hospitals, you can be sent to either a children’s hospital or an adult one. Where you live and what kind of cancer you have can determines what kind of hospital you go to.
Not all hospitals offer cancer treatment, so you may have to travel, especially if you live in a regional or rural area. Some hospitals have dedicated units or wards especially for teenagers and young adults with cancer.
While most teenagers and young people stay in hospital at least a few nights at first, they can also be treated as outpatients, someone who comes in just during the day for treatment. You might go through different stages of treatment, both in hospital and as an outpatient.
Answering your questions about staying in hospital
Most people stay in hospital at least a few nights initially, and some for longer. If you are staying in hospital for a long period for treatment, some things you can do to make it more comfortable include:
Can I have visitors in hospital?
Yes you can have hospital visitors if the doctors and your parents say it’s okay. It can be helpful to try and connect with friends, extended family and school mates.
Unfortunately, some people may not visit and if this happens, try and not take it personally as hospitals make some people uncomfortable. Instead, staying in touch by talking on the phone, messaging each other or even face-timing.
Every hospital will have different rules regarding visiting hours, but visitors are generally encouraged. If you are at risk of infection, visitors may need to wear protective clothing like gowns and gloves to prevent the spread of germs.
Staying in touch with friends
Friendships are important, they give us a sense of belonging and they teach us emotional and social skills. You may feel like you’re missing a lot or maybe even feel left out, but there are a lot of ways you and your friends can stay in touch.
Technology offers different ways to stay connected with your friends. Keep social connections strong, share updates and stay in the loop of whats happening by using:
Language and culture
Translating medical language can be hard enough at the best of times, but if English is a second language for you or others in your family it can be even harder. There are a number of services that can help.
Most public hospitals will provide access to interpreter services, and your hospital social worker will know more about this.
Depending on your cultural or religious background, you might be worried about having private consultations with a doctor. You can request a male or female doctor or take a family member or friend with you.
If you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, most hospitals have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officers. They can visit you to explain the hospital system, provide language translation services, advocate for your needs to hospital staff, help access accommodation services, and some hospitals have dedicated spaces for you.
Request information And support
We’re ready to help. Please call us on 1800 REDKITE (Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm AEST), or fill out the form below.
Related resources
Musical Bonds: Helping siblings cope when a child has cancer
Using music can strengthen family bonds during challenging times. Creating personalised playlists and having family music sessions can also be fun!
Musical Bonds: Helping siblings cope when a child has cancer
Using music can strengthen family bonds during challenging times. Creating personalised playlists and having family music sessions can also be fun!
Your treating team in hospital: Teenagers
Hospitals can be overwhelming and there can be a lot of different doctors and nurses doing different jobs. We give you an overview of who will treat you in hospital.
Your treating team in hospital: Teenagers
Hospitals can be overwhelming and there can be a lot of different doctors and nurses doing different jobs. We give you an overview of who will treat you in hospital.
Redkite Music Box: Supporting families through music
Redkite Music Box is here to help you and your family while you’re going through treatment, when you are at home, between hospital visits or after treatment is finished.
Redkite Music Box: Supporting families through music
Redkite Music Box is here to help you and your family while you’re going through treatment, when you are at home, between hospital visits or after treatment is finished.
