TV medical dramas 'frighten children'

The BBC's Casualty is blamed for fuelling children's fear

Children are fearful of hospitals because of the way they are portrayed in television dramas such as Casualty and ER, according to a report.

The study found that the graphic depiction of gory injuries and operations has had a profound effect on children.

More than half of parents interviewed said their children were confusing fact and fiction owing to medical shows.

It is well established that a relax child will feel less pain, and a happy, contented child will recover more quickly

Great Ormond Street Hospital spokeswoman

Nine out of 10 children aged seven to 12 regularly watch the programmes, according to the study.

The survey - of 500 parents and 360 seven to 12's by researchers Brand and Issues - also found boys would rather take their video games into hospital than a member of their families.

However, girls would take a family member, followed by a book or soft toy.

Norwich Union Healthcare, in collaboration with the charity Action for Sick Children, has produced a child-friendly booklet called My Hospital Visit to help give parents and youngsters realistic advice about a trip to the children's ward.

Traumatic experience

Cheryl Hooper, director of Action for Sick Children, said: "A stay in hospital can be a traumatic experience for an adult, let alone a small child.

"Appropriate preparation for a hospital stay can make a huge difference to how a child will cope."

A spokeswoman for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children said the hospital employed play specialists specifically to relax children and make them feel more comfortable with their surroundings.

She said: "If you watch Casualty and then come in through the doors of Great Ormond Street you will see a whole world of difference. The atmosphere at Great Ormond Street is much less frenetic.

"It is well established that a relaxed child will feel less pain, and a happy, contented child will recover more quickly."

A free copy of the booklet can be obtained by dialling freephone 0800 122 810.