It can be hard for children to know what to expect when they come to hospital for procedures such as an X-ray or blood test. Children tend to have a better experience if they know what will happen and have the chance to prepare themselves. The ‘Children Coming to Hospital’ resource was developed with children, young people and parents by Lucy Bray, Bernie Carter and Ed Horowicz from Edge Hill University.

This engaging resource is made up of a short animation and comic strip for children, a short animation for health professionals and a leaflet for ‘parent/carers’. We hope the resource can help make coming to hospital a bit less scary for children. It also provides top tips for parents and health professionals on how to prepare and help children during the experience.

‘Children Coming to Hospital’ is free to download and use. The resource was launched in February 2019 and was highly commended in the British Medical Association Patient Information Awards.