Guide for Parents

Please download the Admission Form for Paediatric patients (aged 13 years and under)

Preparation for Hospital-how you can help…

Nearly all children coming into hospital for routine surgery will respond well to a simple explanation of the procedure a few days ahead of their admission.  Answer any question they may have simply and truthfully.

If your child has significant health issues or food allergies, please advise the hospital as soon as possible.

Where possible, do not bring siblings into the hospital on the operation day as space is limited.  To assist you to prepare, South Perth Hospital has developed a fact sheet.  Preparing you and your child for hospital – Fact Sheet

Reduce your own anxiety

Parental anxiety can be a major cause of child distress in hospital. Children rapidly sense when a parent is upset or anxious.

If you have any ongoing concerns about the procedure or the anaesthetic, these should be addressed with your Surgeon before your child goes into the operating suite.

It is important that you take care of yourself!  While your child may be fasting, you should ensure that you have breakfast or lunch.  Please check with your Surgeon as to the length of the procedure as for longer cases we suggest that parents have something to eat or drink while their child is in theatre.

For further information on refreshments see Our Services

Safety

All hospital staff observe standard precautions to control the risk of cross infection. You will find information regarding hand hygiene by each bed.

For further information see Infection Prevention and Control

Please keep hot food and drinks out of reach of children. While there is a pantry provided for your use if your child is staying overnight, we ask that you do not allow your child to accompany you into this area.

Hospital corridors can be busy places. Please ensure your child is under your supervision at all times if they leave their room.

Fasting

It is vital that your child is fasted prior to surgery. This is necessary to reduce the risk of food or fluid being vomited under anaesthesia and being inhaled into the lungs.

Your Surgeon or Anaesthetist will advise you as to the fasting requirements for the surgery. During this period your child should have nothing to eat or drink, including sweets and water. These short periods of fasting before surgery are harmless even for very young children.

Medications

Medications and puffers should be given as normal unless otherwise advised by your Surgeon or Anaesthetist.

Boarding

One parent is able to board with the child. A fold-out bed, linen, shower facilities and meals are provided.  Please check with your Health Insurance provider for your level of cover.

Download Information for Boarders

What to Bring

Please bring any special toys or comfort objects your child may have. These will help reduce any anxiety.

  • Nightie/pyjamas (if staying overnight)
  • Toiletries
  • Favorite toy/book
  • Disposable nappies (if required)
  • Infant formula (if required)
  • Any special equipment/items for your child

On Admission

On arrival to the ward you will be admitted by a nurse who will confirm the identity of your child and attach a name band to their ankle. (See Patient Identification)They will also ask questions related to your child’s general health and the paperwork required, including the Consent for Procedure form.

Children wear gowns and underpants/nappy to the Operating Suite (if willing). All jewellery, nail polish and make-up should be removed.

Consent

A parent or legal guardian must sign the Consent for Procedure form prior to the surgery taking place.  Should you have concerns regarding the procedure, these should be raised with the Surgeon.

Discussion with the Anaesthetist

The Anaesthetist will examine your child and ask a number of questions which will help them plan for safe and appropriate anaesthesia care. The Anaesthetist will discuss the best plan and any options for your child’s operation.

This is the time when you should discuss your own concerns and anxieties.

A nurse may apply a local anaesthetic “numbing” cream to your child’s hands.  This makes the insertion of an intravenous drip at the start of the anaesthetic process less painful for most children.

Preoperative Medication

An oral sedative is sometimes used to help children relax before surgery. This is most useful for children who are afraid or anxious.

After the Surgery

Recovery Room

At the end of the procedure, your child will be taken into the Recovery Room until they are awake enough to return to the ward.  At the discretion of Clinical Staff, the nominated essential visitor may be admitted to this area if required, once your child is awake.

Some children can be drowsy, confused, restless and sometimes distressed on waking. This is a normal part of recovery. For very young children taking a bottle into the Recovery Room may help calm them.

Emergence Delirium

This is a condition which occurs most commonly in children between the ages of two and ten years of age following a general anaesthetic. This condition differs from agitation usually caused by pain where the child is restless but coherent.

Whilst short-lived, this time can be distressing as the child may appear confused, unsettled and distressed. They may not respond to verbal cues, open their eyes or will be crying or screaming. They may also have uncontrolled movements and thrash or kick out.

As anxious children can more susceptible to emergence delirium, you can help to reduce its incidence by trying to ensure that the child remains as calm and relaxed as possible prior to transfer to the Perioperative Suite. It is also important that you remain calm and relaxed as it will help to reassure your child before their surgery.

It is recommended that the essential visitor remains in the ward area until the child returns from Theatre or you are called to the Recovery Room as we may need to contact you. Please inform ward staff if you intend to leave the ward during their stay. Once they return to the ward they will continue to be monitored regularly by nursing staff.

Medications

The nurse caring for your child will explain the pain relief ordered for your child.  To assist you to monitor your child’s medication South Perth Hospital has developed Pain Management after Discharge – A Parents Guide

Food and Drink

Following most procedures, your child should be able to eat and drink normally afterwards. If there are any restrictions, the nurse caring for your child will inform you of these.

Anaesthetics and some types of surgery can cause children to feel nauseated or vomit. Nursing staff will administer medications to relieve these symptoms as needed.

Discharge

Day Surgery

Discharge from hospital usually occurs between 1 to 4 hours after leaving the Recovery Room. The timing depends upon the type of surgery and how well your child recovers from the anaesthetic.  You will be provided with discharge instructions specific to your child.

Overnight Stays

Discharge usually occurs between 9 and 10am the morning after surgery. This is dependent upon your Surgeon’s orders and your child’s condition. Please discuss any issues regarding discharge with the nurse caring for your child.

Instructions on caring for your child at home and any follow up appointments required will be explained to you prior to discharge.

Should you experience any problems at home, please contact your Surgeon or usual GP for advice.

If you are unable to contact either of these and are concerned about your child’s condition, you should present to your nearest Emergency Centre.

contact us for more details.