Going to hospital with mother.

This classic observational film was made by James and Joyce Robertson, contrasting with 'A Two Year Old Goes To Hospital'. Like its precursor, Robertson narrates the film. This film is freer in form too, even though there are intertitles with timings on, these are not referred to as 'time samples'. The production takes place at Amersham General Hospital which has a general ward where it is possible for parents to stay with their children. A plan of the ward is shown. Some younger children are in cubicles where their mothers can sleep too. Sally, aged 20 months, needs to go to hospital for five days to have a minor operation (an umbilical hernia similar to the little girl in 'A Two Year Old Goes To Hospital'); mother stays with her to prevent the distress of separation and to help in her care. There is a short sequence at the end of surgery. As Sally regains consciousness, her mother is there to reassure her. Secure in the presence of her mother, Sally survives the experience without becoming depressed and withdrawn as unaccompanied young patients often do, and at the end of their stay is as lively and cheerful as at the beginning. Other young patients are shown being attended to by their mothers and so the arrangement is shown to be practical, and of benefit not only to the young patient and her mother but also to the medical and nursing staff whose experience is enriched by dealing with child and mother together. Comaraderie between the mothers is evident. See also the complementary film 'A Two Year Old Goes To Hospital'.