living on the Ward
Sleeping arrangements
Two adults can spend time in the cubicle with the patient. One adult can stay overnight. A camp bed is provided.
Rooms can sometimes be noisy at night; nurses will come in occasionally for checks and there may be some light from the machines and through the blinds. The air filtration system may create a cool draft so wrap up warm.
You can ask for paper to cover the internal window in your cubicle but there must be a gap so staff can maintain visibility and carry out regular checks.
Most rooms are equipped with an ensuite bathroom, including a shower. For those without a shower you can use the shower on the Day Ward when it is closed – ward staff will advise you about this.
Storage space available
In the cubicle
Each room differs but in general there are:
Cupboards
Worktop
Television
Pull out drawers – usually used for toys
Small plastic drawers (kindly donated by a Jasper and family)
In the Family Room (and kitchen)
There is a fridge and a freezer in the Family Room for you to use. Each family is allocated space in the fridge. Ward staff will give you instructions on how to label your food.
The food cupboards are filled by the Bubble Foundation with small snacks for parents. Milk and fruit are provided by the NHS. Sophie’s Legacy provides one meal a day for one adult caring for a patient.
On admission each family is allocated a private locker in the Family Room. The Bubble Foundation have provided shelves inside the lockers to help you make the most of the space but please let us know if you need anything else to help you get settled in.
Welcome to the Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Unit Booklet
Ward 3 booklet Welcome to the Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Unit goes into more detail about your stay on Ward 3 and the processes to support your child’s safety throughout the transplant process. If you have not received this, please ask the Liaison Team for it and a digital copy can be sent.
Internal reference: PCLIN.I.088
Life in Newcastle
Read about NewcastleWhat the Bubble Foundation provides
Grocery deliveries
The Bubble Foundation provide a free, regular grocery shop to fill the Family Room cupboards and fridge. This food is for carers only and is not for the patients for health and safety reasons. Guidance for food your child can have during their stay will be given on the ward and a dietician will be there to help.
We aim to provide food that everybody will enjoy so we can’t really tailor food shops for individuals, but please do let us know of any allergies or intolerances you have, and we will try to adapt the shop or include alternatives. You can let us know by filling in this form
fill in the dietary formJourney Box
The Bubble Foundation and the Play Team on Ward 3 have created a Journey Box for you to receive upon arrival. Inside, you'll find a variety of resources to help you settle into life in Newcastle. The box also serves as a keepsake, providing storage for memories and communications received during your stay. At the end of your journey, you can take it home to reflect on, and process, your experience. It includes specially designed materials to help you and your family document your journey along the way.
Toys, crafts and games
The Bubble Foundation provide toys, crafts and activities for children staying on Ward 3.
Research and Equipment
The Bubble Foundation funds medical equipment where the NHS is not able to. We also fund vital research into diagnosis and treatment for primary immunodeficiencies.
Pre-transplant
Your child may receive chemotherapy to prepare their body to accept the new bone marrow. Ask a professional for your tailored care.