We refer to Mr Tan Chi Wei’s letter, “How are young children supported when hospitalised for Covid-19?” (March 30).

The KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) is Singapore’s tertiary referral centre for the medical care of children, and we are acutely aware of the effects of hospitalisation on children and their families.

As Covid-19 also infects children, KKH has been on the frontline of screening and treating paediatric patients who are suspected or confirmed to have Covid-19.

To allay the anxiety faced by such children who require admission to KKH and their parents, we have allowed a designated caregiver to stay with a child throughout his or her time in the  isolation room or ward.

But as a precaution, the accompanying caregiver will not be able to leave or swap places with another caregiver.

Hospitalisation is a stressful experience, especially for children. Other than providing the necessary medical treatment and care, KKH has a child life team, which has prepared activities such as colouring, arts and crafts, as well as plastic construction toys donated by generous sponsors.

The hospital’s medical social workers are also on hand to support the caregivers of children who are hospitalised for Covid-19.

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