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 [Back to Overview](/departments/pediatric-specialty-care/pediatric-inpatient-unit)## Explore department

 
 

 

 

  ## Pediatric Inpatient Unit

# Resources for Patients

 Explore Pediatric Inpatient Unit

 ## Visitor Access and Visiting Hours

For the safety of our patients and families, entry into the Pediatric Inpatient Unit is by badge access only. All visitors must check in with BMC staff on entry to the hospital and will be provided with a visitor ID badge.

Up to two adult caregivers are welcome in a patient’s room at any time. A sleeper sofa is available in each room for caregivers wishing to stay with their loved ones overnight.

General visiting hours for all other visitors are **12 p.m. (noon) to 8 p.m.** seven days a week.

## Child Life/Patient Experience and Specialized Supports

Our care model draws on the expertise of our pediatric providers, including from the [Child Life Program](/child-life-program "Child Life Program | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), to minimize the trauma and fear that may be associated with hospitalization or with specific interventions.

As appropriate, behavioral specialists from our onsite [Autism Program](/pediatrics-autism-program "Autism Program | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") are also available to support patients with specific developmental or sensory needs.

Our care model also prioritizes play time and other developmentally appropriate activities as much as possible! The unit includes a playroom with activities for all ages that is open to patients and families seven days a week.

Other [patient support services](/support-patients "Support for Patients | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") include our [chaplaincy service](/services/spiritual-care "Support Services: Spiritual Care | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), an [integrative nursing team](https://healthcity.bmc.org/from-reiki-to-aromatherapy-inside-bmcs-award-winning-integrative-nursing-model/ "From Reiki to Aromatherapy: Inside BMC’s Award-Winning Integrative Nursing Model (March 20, 2025) | HealthCity: Health equity news from Boston Medical Center (healthcity.bmc.org)") that offers alternative treatments such as aromatherapy and reiki, and the [Healing Pups](/support-patients/healing-pups "Support Services: Healing Pups | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") therapeutic program.

## Interpretation and Translation Services

Through our collaboration with BMC’s [Interpreter Services,](/interpreter-services "Interpreter Services | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") we ensure that communication with families is always in their preferred language, with an emphasis on in-person interpretation whenever possible.



 

 

 ## BMC Resources

Families may find these BMC resources helpful in their journey.

 

 ###  [The Autism Program at Boston Medical Center](/pediatrics-autism-program) 

 The Autism Program at Boston Medical Center assists and empowers individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities through direct patien… 

 

 

 ###  [The Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Center](/departments/obstetrics-and-gynecology/obstetrics/resources-patients/breastfeeding-and-lactation-medicine-center) 

 The Center’s mission is to make BMC Health System a breastfeeding-supportive and knowledgeable institution that supports all BMC patients in meeting their infant feeding intention… 

 

 

 ###  [Child Life Program](/child-life-program) 

 The Child Life Program at Boston Medical Center helps children and families manage the stresses associated with hospitalization and illness. 

 

 

 ###  [The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center](/pediatrics-neurology/epilepsy) 

 Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has had at least one seizure and there is a strong likelihood of future events. It is a neurological condition that can vary widely in symptoms… 

 

 

 ###  [Interpreter Services](/interpreter-services) 

 Boston Medical Center’s Interpreter Services Department is one of the oldest interpreter services programs in New England. Our department works to ensure effective communication b… 

 

 

 ###  [Pediatric Asthma](/pediatric-asthma) 

 Asthma is a leading cause of childhood hospitalization and missed school, but with the right treatment and support, every child’s asthma is manageable. The Pediatric Asthma Progra…