In this literature review, the author examines the effects of hospitalisation on children. In particular, the case for having a parent present throughout the admission is discussed, along with evidence for encouraging parents to become more involved in actual care. Date of acceptance: July 23 1997

Nurses are aware of the benefits for children’s wellbeing and health status of their parents staying in hospital with them. However, they consistently fail to make an assessment of individual parents’ needs, thus taking control away from them (Darbyshire 1995).