Parent and child room

You are free to arrange the suite to your own liking. For example, in the evening you can put the easy chair and table in the parent's room or move the trundle bed over to sleep next to your child. The parent bed must be moved back to the parent area in the morning. Your child can draw on the whiteboard and hang things from the hooks on the wall, such as cards and streamers.

Keeping the room tidy

It's important for your child that the room is kept clean. That’s why we ask you to keep the room tidy when the facility service staff are present. If you're not in the room, it’s also helpful when there are no toys on the floor.

If you’ve slept next to your child, could you please return the bed to the parent room before 9:00 a.m.?

When you're going home, could you please remove the bedding from the parent room beds yourself? You can put the sheets and covers in the laundry bag.

Nurse call system

There is a nurse call system in your suite. By briefly pressing the red cross, you can call for the nurse who will respond as soon as possible.

Balcony

The suite has a balcony where you can get some fresh air. We request that you always keep the balcony doors closed so as not to disrupt the indoor climate. Also, keep the door to your child's room closed when you are out on the balcony. Please refrain from walking back and forth on the balcony, as that can disturb other parents and children. Smoking is prohibited on the balcony.

Awning

The awning lowers and raises automatically, but can be controlled manually as well.

Fridge

We ask that you keep the fridge clean for the duration of your stay and that you keep track of the shelf life of the products that you store in the fridge.

Many people, like the clinical nurse specialist and the doctor, come to see your child, but they all knock before entering. A service employee cleans your suite and replenishes the towels and bandages.

During admission and discharge, a pharmacist's assistant comes by to ensure that everything concerning your child's medicines is in order.

The childlife specialist explains examinations and treatments and can provide distraction.

If your child is not allowed to leave the room, the physiotherapist, the school counselor or the dietician can also come to see your child.

If you prefer not to be disturbed at all, you can post one of the communication cards in the sleeve on the door. We will respect your notification as best we can. Please note these cards are currently only available in Dutch. 

Two people may stay overnight. You decide who, in consultation with the nurse. They can be relatives or friends, as well as brothers and sisters, and your child's friends are also welcome. If a guest is under 12 years old, an adult must be present. Bed linens and towels are provided.

You know best how to keep your child safe at home, but in the OKE, things may be a little different. For example, after sedation or due to medication side effects, your child may feel unsteady. The long IV lines give your child plenty of room to move but can also be a tripping hazard. That’s why we have a few tips.

When you are with your child:

• Help your child to the toilet or shower if needed.

• Make sure the floor is clear before your child goes to sleep at night.

• Leave a nightlight on when it’s dark.

• Call the nurse if you need assistance.

If you leave your child alone for a moment:

• Lock the bed brakes if your child is in bed.

• Raise the side rails to the highest position if your child is in a crib.

• Inform the nurse that your child is alone and how long you’ll be away.

• Make sure your child can reach the call button, toys, drinks, glasses, etc.

• Keep the balcony door closed.

If your child is hospitalized for a long time, they may start to miss their pet very much. In consultation with the nurse and medical pedagogical employee, you may then bring your pet occasionally.

Visitors with an assistance dog or guide dog are also welcome. Please consult with the nurse in advance.

Family and friends can address their mail to:

Your child's name
Princess Máxima Center, department ... room ...
Heidelberglaan 25
3584 CS Utrecht

If mail arrives for you after you return home, we will forward it to your home address a week later. If we expect you to return to the Princess Máxima Center within a week, we will keep the mail for you.

When your child comes to the Princess Máxima Center for treatment or examination, your child will receive a bracelet with a code that we can scan. This code is linked to your child's care dossier. This way, we have all the necessary information immediately available to provide safe care. Therefore, it is important that your child keeps this bracelet on as long as you are in the Máxima Center.

When your child is admitted for a longer period to the Princess Máxima Center, you are issued a parental pass ('key'), with which you can enter your own parent-child suite and which gives you access to certain parts of the Princess Máxima Center.

Your child does not have to stay in the room all the time, but can go to the school, the family room, the 'construction site', the sports garden or outside, etc. Children who get chemotherapy are often allowed to leave their room, but must always first consult the nurse.

If your child is assigned to a room with a special air pressure system and a lock chamber, you may leave the room. Your child is often allowed to go outside, too.

If the doctor approves, your child is welcome to go outside during their stay at the Princess Máxima Center.

Try to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Have your child wear a cap or hat and clothing with long sleeves. Apply sunscreen with a high protection factor (30 or higher).

Because most children who get chemotherapy are extremely susceptible, we strive to prevent the risk of infection. We therefore ask everyone to regularly disinfect their hands. Dispensers containing disinfectant are spread throughout the building.

Adults and children with a contagious disease are not allowed to visit. If you are feeling indisposed and are not sure whether you may stay with your child, talk to the nurse.

Pantry

There are pantries where you can get complimentary coffee and tea. They also house a dishwasher and a microwave. Please make sure the pantry and machines are neat, tidy and clean when you leave.

Vending machine

You can get hot chocolate from the vending machine in the waiting area of the outpatient clinic.

Family room

You are always welcome in the Ronald McDonald family room where you can cook, eat, read a newspaper, play games or watch TV. Volunteers keep the family room clean and cozy. They are also there to lend an ear.

Washing machines

There are washing machines and dryers on the third floor and detergent is available too. A list is posted alongside the machines on which you can write your name and phone number so that you can get a call when your laundry is done. Should you not want someone else to remove your laundry from the machine, attach the available notice to the washing machine.