How to prepare your child for their admission to hospital.
Care of children
Most children’s surgery only requires a short stay in hospital and is often managed without an overnight stay. When your child does need to stay, we warmly welcome a parent or adult support person to remain with them. We can provide a fold-up bed in your child’s room, or if a double room is available, we will do our best to accommodate you there.
Before surgery, you will need to stay with your child until all pre-operative checks are complete. This includes assessments by the nurses, surgeon, and anaesthetist, as well as signing the necessary consent forms. Our team will guide you through each step, so you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Preparing for surgery
Coming to the hospital for surgery can feel like a big day for both children and their parents or carers. Sometimes there may be a short wait before your child goes to the operating theatre, so bringing along their favourite toys, books, or comfort items can help keep them relaxed and entertained.
If you wish, you will have the chance to accompany your child to the operating theatre and stay with them while they are given the anaesthetic. Once your child is asleep, a member of our team will walk you back to the admissions unit while the operation takes place. You can discuss this option with your anaesthetist and surgeon on the day of admission. Our team will guide you through every step, so you feel prepared and supported.
On the day of surgery, our focus is entirely on your child’s care and wellbeing. To help keep things calm, we recommend avoiding unnecessary distractions. If possible, please do not bring siblings unless you have someone with you who can care for them during admission and while your child is in the initial recovery phase in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).
We encourage parents or carers to remain close to the hospital while your child is in surgery. Your presence and support make a real difference, and we aim to reunite you with your child as soon as possible. This usually happens in the PACU, a calm and closely monitored environment where your child will be cared for as they wake up from anaesthesia. For safety reasons, siblings cannot enter the PACU as it is a restricted area.
Please feel free to talk to any member of our team about your child’s needs at any time during their stay. We are here to make this experience as smooth and reassuring as possible for both you and your child.