"4-day stay with my 15 month old son"

I have just left the Children's unit (Oak) after what ended up being a four-day stay because my youngest (15 month old) had an infection in his foot. After settling in and receiving the information about my son's condition (cellulitis, possible osteomyelitis) I felt at ease. There were certain staff members who were wonderful, both with my son, who refused to smile at anyone wearing a uniform, and with me. Please pass on my thanks to the teams who were on duty during this time. My only observation would be the orientation. No one made me aware of the parent facilities, or that I didn't receive any meals because I wasn't pregnant or breast-feeding; or advise me on visiting hours etc. These I found out because I asked. It is very difficult, as you can imagine, to even go to the toilet if you have a crying baby, let alone leave them on the ward whilst you go to M&S for some lunch. In the end, I was offered some lunch/dinner by the nursing staff, and I must say, for hospital food, it was pretty tasty! My thoughts on the above, would be that a 2 page laminate could easily be written and tied to the side of each bed, informing parents, who are already emotionally charged, what they can/can't do; where to find the parents toilets/shower, the kitchen facilities etc. It wouldn't take much, but it would really provide a lot of useful information to parents and ease the pressure off the nursing staff. If I have to take my children to hospital again, I would be comfortable visiting the ward. Again, please pass on my thanks from Finlay! He is now smiling again..