Accessible summary• Disabled children and their carers were asked what it was like to stay in hospital. • They said they felt worried and the hospital was not always ready for them.• They also said it was helpful if the child's carer could be there during a hospital stay and it is better when the child has their own room. • This research will help hospital make changes to make staying in hospital as positive as possible. SummaryGovernment policy is that people with learning disabilities should have their healthcare needs met by mainstream services. This study interviewed the carers of 13 children with learning disabilities admitted to hospital for a period longer than 24 h. Nursing staff and two children were also interviewed. Five themes were identified as having a significant impact: (i) child, carer and staff anxiety, (ii) preparedness for the admission, (iii) difficulties managing the child's behaviour, (iv) carer presence during the admission and (v) ward environment. This study presents edited responses from children, their carers and ward staff and identifies areas for service improvement. These include an emphasis on the value of emotional support, ensuring staff are prepared for hospital admission, agreeing strategies for supporting the child's behaviour, clarifying carers and staff roles during an admission, ensuring the child has an individual room if required. Study limitations are discussed and directions for future research recommended.
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