A guide for children, young people, and their families.

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Step one: Book in

Tell the receptionist your name and address, and the reason why you have come to the hospital 

Step two: Come in and sit in the waiting area

The nurse will call you - usually within 15 minutes but sometimes this takes longer.

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Step three: See the nurse

The nurse will ask you some questions. They will check your temperature, your breathing and your heart rate, with a sticky plaster that goes on your finger. The nurse might put a cuff around your arm to check your blood pressure. If you need medicine for pain or a high temperature, the nurse can give this to you.

Step four: Go back to the waiting area and wait to be seen by the doctor

If you are finding it stressful in the waiting room or need help, please ask the nurse at the desk.

Step five: See the doctor

The doctor will ask you lots of questions. They will use their stethoscope to listen to your heart and breathing and they might feel your tummy. They might also look into your mouth and your ears with a torch.

Step six: Tests

The doctor might do some tests or ask another doctor to see you. Tests can be things like X-rays, blood tests or testing your pee.

Step seven: Treatment 

You might be given medicine to help you get better. Your doctor will explain what treatment you are given.

Step eight: Going home, or staying here for more treatment 

If you need to stay in hospital overnight, you will be moved to a different place in the hospital. At North Middlesex University Hospital, these places are called PAU or Rainbow Ward. Your mum or dad or carer will stay with you.