Hospital Familiarisation Program

Many children are unprepared for the hospital experience. The unfamiliar surroundings of the hospital, the strange faces, complicated equipment, and sometimes painful medical procedures, can be distressing for children. This distress can be reduced if children are prepared for hospital.

The Hospital Familiarisation Program (HFP) is designed to prepare pre-school children for hospital. Trained HFP presenters spend time with children during their normal pre-school day, and may do any or all of the following:

• discuss hospitalisation
• explain and demonstrate hospital equipment
• provide children with the opportunity to dress up as doctors and nurses
• support children as they act out the hospital experience
• read an appropriate story
• show an appropriate video

At present, the HFP Program operates in Western Australia only. If you would like to arrange for a presenter to attend your pre-school, contact:

AWCH WA
HFP Co-ordinator
Princess Margaret Hospital for Children
PO Box D184
PERTH WA 6840
Tel/Fax: (08) 9340 7800
E-mail: awchwa@health.wa.gov.au