Your Stay

Coping with a child's hospitalization and illness can be very difficult. We developed the following resources to help you prepare for your child's hospital stay, to inform you of our services and amenities and to make your family's time with us as comfortable as possible.

We encourage you to be an active member of your child's care team, which includes asking as many questions as needed to put your mind at ease. Our health care providers and staff are here to help.

Finally, if someone in your family needs special accommodations for a physical, mental or sensory disability, please let us know before your visit. We will do our best to accommodate you.

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Family Resource Center

We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

Your child's hospital stay

Admissions & Discharge

To plan for your child's hospital stay, read about admission to and discharge from the hospital, and details to make your child as comfortable as possible.

Contact a Patient

You can contact your child or other patients by phone, message or postal mail during their hospital stay. Find out how.

Family Accommodations

You can stay with your child during their hospital stay, either in their room or at nearby short-term lodging such as hotels or the Ronald McDonald House.

Family Amenities

Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

Food Services

We offer healthy, convenient options for food and beverages at our caf's, cafeterias, kiosks and vending machines at our facilities. Learn more.

Gift Shops

Our gift shops offer a variety of gifts, such as flowers, plants, balloons, toys, books, candy and more, for children and families during a hospital stay.

Hospital Policies

Our hospital policies cover cell phone use, smoking, safety drills and more. Find the details you need to know before your visit.

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Our list of patient rights and responsibilities describes the partnership of mutual respect between you and your child's care team. Learn more.

Patient Rooms

Our patient rooms offer a cheerful, comfortable setting for rest and recovery during your child's stay, with amenities such as TVs, WiFi and sofa sleepers.

Patient Safety: How You Can Help

You can help the care team safeguard your child's well-being by asking questions, keeping track of medications and other steps for a safe experience.

Patient Transport: A Parent's Guide

Our transport service provides high-level care on the way to our hospitals. Find out what to expect and how you can help ensure a smooth transport.

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Preparing Kids for a Hospital Stay

Preparing your child for a hospital stay or surgery can be challenging. Read our tips for making this process less stressful for you and your child.

Visiting Hours & Guidelines

The visiting hours at our hospitals include policies for critical care areas and flu season. Find out more.

Your Child's Care Team

Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

Your Child's Hospital Stay: What to Bring

A favorite pillow, toy, book or electronic device can help your child feel more comfortable while in the hospital. Find out what you can bring.

Your Child's Surgery: What to Expect

If your child is having surgery, there are many details about how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect during and after surgery. Learn more.

Saving future lives

Your Stay

Download our hospital guides

Support services

Your child's hospital stay

500+ UCSF investigators are researching cures for hundreds of childhood and adult diseases.

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