Supporting Your Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. Many of your questions can be answered by reading the guide for visiting families. For any additional questions, please contact us at 212-342-8579.

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What will the rooms be like?

Every room is different from unit to unit, and rooms are assigned as to why your child is at the hospital. What you can expect is to have a refrigerator or access to one in the family lounge located on your unit, a television with both English and Spanish channels, and a pull-out chair or couch for a caregiver (age 18 or older) to sleep.

Can I sleep over with my child?

Yes! We encourage caregivers to spend the night with their children. Siblings are not allowed to spend the night, and caregivers must be at least 18 years of age (unless they are the parents). You can expect a pull-out chair or couch to be available at your child's bedside. We will provide you with linens.

What are visiting hours?

Patients now have the right to decide when they wish to receive visitors. Parents and/or guardians of patients who are minors may also exercise this right. To maintain a safe, healing environment, the number of visitors at the bedside is limited to no more than two, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Members of the care team may choose to limit visitation, if necessary, for the patient's well-being.

Can my other children come visit the hospital?

Brothers and sisters are welcome to visit a sibling in the hospital, as long as they are not exhibiting any symptoms of a cold or the flu. Child life specialists can help prepare your children to understand why their sibling is in the hospital and what the different machines in the room do. Some brothers and sisters feel nervous about visiting, and we try to help them feel as comfortable as possible during their visit.

Another service we provide is Charna's Kids' Club, a program designed for brothers and sisters of patients. As long as the patient is not on any contact precautions (a sign at the front of their room will indicate any precautions), brothers and sisters are welcome to join.

Can I do laundry at the hospital?

Our hospital has complimentary access to washers and dryers located on the 6th floor of the Tower building. Ask your unit assistant to direct you to the location.

Where can I go to eat?

The children's hospital does not have a cafeteria located on site, but it does have JouJou's Café, located on the 1st floor by the main entrance. The Milstein building has The Heights cafeteria located on the 2nd floor. There are also many restaurants located in the Washington Heights area that are steps away from the hospital entrance. If you are interested in having food delivered to the lobby, the assistant on your unit has a menu binder which lists the restaurants available.

We encourage families to go outside and get some fresh air. This can be your opportunity to take a break!

Is there a place to keep food?

Each unit and room is different, but most have a refrigerator located in the patient's room, or a fridge in the family lounges if your child is staying in the Intensive Care Unit.

Where can I park my car?

Street parking is extremely limited. Some meters are available on 165th Street. Please note these are very closely monitored by the police. Valet parking and a hospital garage are available. Enter the circular driveway of Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital at 3959 Broadway between 165th and 166th Streets, which is the main entrance to the hospital. In case of emergency, you can leave your car with the valet at the main entrance. If the valet service is closed, leave your car and inform the security personnel at the Welcome Desk inside the lobby.

Valet Service Information
212-342-8486
Monday through Friday, 5:45 am to 10 pm
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, 7 am to 10 pm

If you anticipate picking up your car after the valet is closed, please park in the hospital's visitor parking garage at 115 Fort Washington Avenue, between 164th and 165th Streets, which is open 24 hours a day.

Visitor Parking Garage
212-305-4903
115 Fort Washington Avenue, between 164th and 165th Streets

If you have any additional questions, please call the Parking Office at 212-305-4903 or the manager on call at 212-305-2718 (for emergencies).

Is there a place for me to shower?

Each unit and room is different, but there is a private shower and restroom within most rooms. Each family lounge has an attached restroom and shower facility, which all families are welcome to use.

Can we bring items from home (such as toys, DVD players, or game systems)?

Yes, you can! Please refer to What to Pack/What to Expect.

What type of clothing should we bring?

We encourage families to bring clothing from home to keep your child comfortable. Please refer to What to Pack/What to Expect.

Is my child able to participate in school?

Yes. If your child is in grades K through 12 and needs to be hospitalized, he or she can keep up with schoolwork through NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital's school program, which provides a teacher certified through the New York City Department of Education. Please refer to Hospital School Program.

Yes! We appreciate gifts of new items. We ask that you contact us beforehand to arrange to make a donation. Please refer to our Wish List for more information.