Welcome to 1 Northwest!
We are a family-centered pediatric unit serving many Institutes of the National Institutes of Health. We strive to make your child's stay as home-like as possible. We also encourage your involvement as parent or guardian in your child’s care. We prefer that one parent or family member over the age of 18 stays overnight with patients under the age of 18.
Your child’s room
You are likely to be in a semi-private room with a common bathroom and phone line. All rooms are equipped with sleep accommodations for one parent per patient.
Accommodations for siblings or other relatives
If siblings or other relatives wish to stay in the area during your child’s hospitalization, arrangements for their accommodations should be made before you arrive.
NIH provides medical care for patients only. Family members who need immediate medical care will be taken to nearby Suburban Hospital.
Linens, pajamas, towels
These items can be found on the linen cart on the unit. Washers and dryers for your personal use are located near the back of the unit. Ask your nurse for tokens to operate the machines and laundry detergent.
Personal belongings and valuables
Space for personal belongings is limited and it is not secure. Label your belongings and place them in the designated area of your room. We cannot be held responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced items. The cashier’s office can secure valuables if you forget to leave them at home.
Refreshments/refrigerator and microwave
There is a patient refrigerator on the unit containing snacks such as milk and juice. There is also a small kitchen on the unit where crackers, cold and hot cereals, soup, coffee, and tea are kept. You may take what you like at any time.
For your personal use, there is also a refrigerator and microwave in the Family Room. Please label all food stored in the refrigerator with your name and the date. Please throw away your items when you are discharged.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Clinical Center. The designated smoking area is outside the Clinical Center.
Television
Each patient room has a color television.
VCRs
Portable VCRs may be available for bedside viewing of movies. The Therapeutic Recreation Section has a large selection of movies for patient use.
Quiet time
To promote rest and a peaceful environment, all lights and music should be turned off at 10 p.m. Between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., you may use the Family Room for reading, games, or other activities.
Visitors
If you are expecting visitors, please check with your nurse about proper protection to prevent your child from getting or spreading communicable infections (like colds or flu). Please have your visitors check in at the nurses’ station. The nursing staff must screen all visitors under the age of 18 for signs of infection.
Gifts sent to the unit
If friends or family want to send gifts to you while you are in the hospital, please use caution before accepting them. Fresh flowers, plants, or fruit baskets may carry a risk of infection for your child and his/her roommate. Please ask your nurse before accepting these items.
Mail
Provide this address to your friends and relatives:
For faster delivery, write "patient mail" on the envelope.
Playroom
We have a playroom on the unit staffed by recreation therapists. The playroom gives children a safe play area, free from medical interruption. We invite you to enjoy this room with your child.
Your child should not be left in the playroom without supervision. If you need to leave your child, check if a recreation therapist is available during your absence. Children and parents are expected to clean up after themselves before they leave the playroom.
School
Schooling (kindergarten through 12th grade) is available at bedside or in a classroom setting during the school year. Please bring textbooks and school assignments with you.
Shuttles
NIH operates free shuttles to and from BWI and Reagan National Airports from Sunday to Friday, excluding holidays. NIH also operates free shuttles to and from many area hotels and motels, and the Children’s Inn. Shuttle schedules are available at the transportation desk.
Volunteer services
Hospitalization is a stressful period for the family. When you need assistance, talk with your nurse or social worker about ways to make your stay easier. Volunteers are available to provide respite and relief for parents, patients, and siblings. Please speak to your nurse if you are interested in volunteer services.
We look forward to working with you and your child.
This information is prepared specifically for patients taking part in clinical research at the NIH Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health. It may not apply to individuals who are patients elsewhere. If you have questions about the information presented here, talk to a member of your health care team.
