‘The staff always try to make the treatments as stress-free as possible.’

Flora says: ‘I often went along with my daughter Lindsay and her little one, Naïma, to the Máxima Center and saw how well the staff cared for her. The nurses were exceptionally kind. In a situation like that, kindness is so important, because there is already enough stress. They were gentle and warm toward the baby and always tried to make the treatments as calm and stress-free as possible. The contact with me as a grandmother was also pleasant. In her room I was offered a cup of tea and a kind word.

Mini hotel room

It was especially reassuring that my daughter Lindsay could stay with her baby. During a hospital stay, they really need each other. It brings comfort and reduces stress for both. The sleeping area next to the child’s room is wonderful. It feels a bit like a mini hotel room: a bed, a TV, a small table to eat or write at, and a connecting door that can be darkened so the little one is not disturbed when she needs to sleep or rest.

Cooking in the family room

Around 1989 I had my own experience in the Radboudumc with my son. Fortunately, I could stay with him too, sleeping on a cot in his room at night. That was how it was back then. As parents we ate in the cafeteria. There was also a small room where parents could stay for a moment and have a cup of coffee or tea. Now parents can order meals for themselves and stay with their child or in the room next door. The option to use the Ronald McDonald Family Room is also well arranged at the Máxima Center. Parents can cook their own meals there if they want to, take a moment to rest, or receive family so the child can have some quiet time.

Extensive knowledge and expertise

If I summarize it, I would say the hospitality and kindness at the Máxima Center, shown by all staff members, really stand out. And not least, the extensive knowledge and expertise available there. For anyone reading this, I have one piece of advice: support the child’s family as well as you can. Try to stay positive. More and more is possible nowadays and the doctors will do everything they can to help, together with the wider team. At the Máxima Center, this includes all their international collaborations. They make sure they can learn a lot from each other and use that knowledge for the children.’