Your Child's Hospital 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.
MyChart
Before your visit
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.
Preparing for Your Child's Surgery
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.
Preparing for a stay
Health Insurance for Your Child's Care
We accept numerous health insurance plans at our pediatric hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland. Find out if your plan is one of them.
Family Accommodations
Most of our patient rooms can accommodate one overnight guest, and we offer many family amenities. Short-term lodging is also available nearby.
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.
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.
What to expect
Your Child's Admission and 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.
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 at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
We offer healthy, convenient options for food and beverages at our cafes, cafeterias, kiosks and vending machines. Learn more.
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 in UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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.
Your Child's Safety in the Hospital: 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.
Weapons Detection Screening
For safety reasons, some entrances require patients, their families, visitors and staff to pass through a touchless weapons detection system. 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.
Visitor information
Contact a Patient at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
You can contact your child or other patients by phone, message or postal mail during their hospital stay. Find out how.Food Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
We offer healthy, convenient options for food and beverages at our cafes, cafeterias, kiosks and vending machines. Learn more.
Gift Shops at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
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.
Visiting Hours & Guidelines at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
The visiting hours at our hospitals include policies for critical care areas and flu season. Find out more.
Parking & transportation
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.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 at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.