Introduction. Modern advance in medicine requires medical staff to satisfy all the needs of the child hospitalized in the ward of pediatric surgery, the holistic approach to his/her illness and assistance in solving his/her problems. Aim. Identification of the role of medical staff in care of a child being treated in the ward of pediatric surgery. Evaluation of the staff’s own work was compared to opinions issued by parents and children. Material and methods. In the study, questionnaires were used, which were addressed to each of the test group: 24 members of medical staff, 63 guardians and a selected group of 33 hospitalized children between the ages of 14–18. Parents and children were asked about the level of nursing and medical care, sense of security, respecting their rights while in hospital. The study was conducted at the Ward of Pediatric Surgery at the Gliwice Medical Center, in the period from February to April 2015. Results and conclusions. General evaluation of care provided by medical staff in the eyes of children and their guardians was high. They expected from medical staff, apart from professionalism and competence, also kindness, understanding and support, and after the treatment tips on self-care at home. Respondents indicated deficits in informing children about their treatment, rights while in hospital and the possibility to decide on execution of the procedure. The staff did not show the characteristics of professional burnout. Guardians and children appreciated the level of support received from the staff, their professionalism and commitment to care and treatment of children.

Key words: pediatric surgery, medical care, patient’s rights, support.