Resource Library

Most people live normal, healthy lives with one kidney. However it is important to help your child to stay as health as possible and to protect the kidney they have. What do the kidneys do? Most people have 2 kidneys which produce urine to remove excess water and waste products from our blood. The...

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a sideways (lateral) curvature of the spine. It is often combined with a rotation of the spine and ribs causing a hump. Your shoulders or waist may appear different and one shoulder blade may be more noticeable than the other. What is kyphosis? Kyphosis is a forwards...

What causes diarrhoea and vomiting? Children may develop diarrhoea or vomiting for a variety of reasons. Most commonly it is due to gastroenteritis. This is usually a viral infection ‘stomach bug’. Vomiting usually lasts for 1 to 2 days but diarrhoea can persist for 5 to 7 days. Tummy...

Sam has been to the doctor. Sam’s doctor said they needed to have a test called an EEG telemetry test. This is what happened to Sam when they had their EEG telemetry test. Sam’s parents got a letter. The letter told her that they would be coming to the hospital for a short stay in…...

A hip spica is a cast (the same type of plaster we use to splint broken bones) which extends from the abdomen and down both legs. How far down the leg it comes depends on the reason for the cast. Some spicas have a cross bar between the legs which adds stability to casts in… Continue Reading...

This information explains what retinopathy of prematurity is as well as why and how we screen for this. Why does my baby need an eye check? The eye check is called a retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screen. Your baby was born at less than 32 weeks or weighed less than 1.5kg and so they will…...

Overseas visitor’s access to free NHS hospital treatment As a visitor to the United Kingdom, you may be required to pay for your child’s NHS funded secondary care treatment. This applies regardless of nationality, having an NHS number or being registered at a GP practice, even if you are a...

Emma has been to the doctor. Emma’s doctor said she needed to have the same test as you are having. Emma is having an EEG test. What happened before Emma’s EEG test This is what happened to Emma before she had her EEG. Emma’s mummy got a letter. The letter told her that she had…...

What is scoliosis and what can be done? Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine. The spinal column curves and twists causing problems which can extend to the ribs and pelvis. Often this happens in teenagers but can happen in children of any age. Smaller curves require no treatment...

What happens before surgery? A few weeks before your surgery you will be asked to come into hospital just for a day for a pre-operation assessment. This is to check that you are fit for the operation and to make sure you know what will happen and why. Some investigations will be carried out...

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a lateral (sideways) curvature of the spine. The spinal column curves and twists causing problems which can also extend to the ribs and pelvis. For the majority of children this is very mild and no treatment will become necessary. For the small minority that need...

Why is breast milk so important? When your baby is born, every drop of breast milk you can give them is precious. Your milk acts like a medicine as well as feeding your baby. What can I do to help my baby? When your baby is born, they may not be ready to feed straight… Continue Reading...

From your antenatal scans there are indications your baby may have oesophageal atresia which is usually with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula. This leaflet is to help you understand the condition and what will usually happen to your baby if they are diagnosed with Oesophageal Atresia, and are...

What is an epiphysiodesis? An epiphysiodesis is a way of partially stopping growth in a longer leg or arm bone by destroying the ‘growth plate’. Since the shorter limb (non-operative limb) continues to grow as before, this has the effect of allowing the shorter limb to ‘catch...

Introduction Your healthcare team feel that you are ready to go home. This advice has been designed to give you all the information you need to take home with you. Please ask the staff if you have any questions. Personal identification information Your health speciality for ongoing outpatient care...

Your baby has been diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. This information is to help you understand the condition and what will happen after your baby is born and comes to Sheffield Children’s Hospital for treatment and care. What is congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)? The diaphragm...

Meals, snacks and drinks should all be recorded. Please make sure it includes what your child usually eats. For example, by including at least 1 week day and 1 day at the weekend. Please give as much detail as you can regarding the type of food eaten, including any ingredients if the dish is...

Meals, snacks and drinks should all be recorded. Please make sure it includes what your child usually eats. For example, by including at least 1 week day and 1 day at the weekend. Please give as much detail as you can regarding the type of food eaten, including any ingredients if the dish is...

Carbohydrate counting You will be shown how to recognise the carbohydrates you are eating and how to adjust your insulin dose for them. This will allow you to have more control over blood glucose levels. What are carbohydrates? There are many factors that affect your blood glucose such as food,...

What is food fortification? Food fortification is when you add more energy from calories and protein to foods. This can help you to gain weight without having to eat lots more. This information shows you ways to fortify foods and drinks. High calorie foods to try Avocado What can I add it to? On:...

What is gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)? When we eat and drink, the food and drink moves down our food pipe, called the oesophagus. It goes into the stomach where acid is released and mixes with the food to help break it down and begin the process of digestion. For some, this mixture can...

Why do we challenge children to baked egg? Egg allergy is a reaction to one or more proteins found in eggs, usually in the white of the egg. Some children with an egg allergy are able to eat baked egg, for example in cookies or cake. This is because heating the egg proteins to a… Continue...

What is weaning? Weaning describes the process of moving from a milk-based diet to solid food. The British Dietetic Association and the Department of Health state that weaning should start by or at 26 weeks. Weaning should not take place before 17 weeks. There is no evidence to show that infants...

What is pyloric stenosis? Pyloric stenosis is a condition where the opening from the stomach to the small bowel (intestines) called the pylorus becomes narrower (stenosis). It narrows due to the pylorus muscle thickening which obstructs the flow of the milk from the stomach. It is not known why this...