Pre-Operative Clinic (Child)
Pre-Operative Clinic
Patient Information
Child Health Department
- Author ID: SM
- Leaflet Ref: CH 046
- Version: 7
- Leaflet Title: Pre-Operative Clinic
- Last Review: March 2023
- Expiry Date: March 2025
Introduction
This information leaflet explains what will happen during your child’s pre-operative clinic appointment today. You may find this information helpful because you will be able to read this after the appointment. If you read this information leaflet and have questions about anything that’s important to you please feel free to call the pre-operative clinic between 10am and 6pm, every Thursday on 01942 822280 or 778763, where a member of staff will be able to help you.
When will we need to come into Rainbow Ward?
Sometimes beds are taken up by emergency cases and we would be grateful if you would call the ward before you leave home to ensure there is an available bed.
Telephone: 01942 822280
If your child has their operation planned for the morning you will need to arrive between 7:30am and 8am on the day of the operation.
If your child has an afternoon appointment you will need to arrive at 11am on the day of the operation.
Where will I park?
Parking is available in any of the designated areas in the hospital grounds and on the car park at Freckleton Street. Please pay and display the minimum fee when you park. When you arrive on the ward please ask your nurse for a parking permit if you are staying overnight which can then be displayed alongside of your pay and display ticket. The parking permit lasts for the length of your stay
Can my child eat and drink before the operation?
This depends on the time of the operation. If your child has their operation planned for the morning, they will need to fast. This means that your child must not eat solid food after midnight the night before their operation. Your child will be able to drink tap water only until 6am on the day of the operation. After 6am on the day of their operation your child will not be able to eat or drink anything until after their operation.
If your child has their operation planned for the afternoon they will be able to have a light breakfast at 7am and be able to drink tap water only until 11am on the day of their operation.
What time will my child go to theatre?
Currently due to the COVID-19 pandemic only one parent or carer is able to stay with their child on the ward before they go for an operation. You will be able to walk your child down to theatre but we will ask that you wear a face mask and gown over your clothing. You can go with your child into the anaesthetic room along with a member of the play team.
Can I stay with my child when they go to theatre?
Both parents may stay with their child on the ward before their operation. Both parents are able to walk to theatre with their child. However, one parent only is permitted into the anaesthetic room along with their child and the play specialist.
How long will my child be in theatre?
Please see the information leaflet related to your child’s operation.
What can I do while my child is in theatre?
When your child is in theatre you may want to have some refreshments. There is a parent’s room on Rainbow ward where tea, coffee, sugar and milk is provided for you to make your own drinks. Additionally, you will be able to heat food that you have brought in from home. Heating food, eating and drinking must be carried out in the parent’s room only and not in the ward area.
For health and safety reasons please ask a member of staff for labels to stick onto your food to identify your name and the date that food goes into the fridge on Rainbow ward.
How will I know when my child is ready to come back to the ward?
Your nurse will be able to tell you when your child is ready to come back to the ward from theatre. This means that your nurse will need to know where they can contact you if you leave the ward. Please let your nurse know where you will be when you leave the ward.
Can I help to bring my child back from theatre?
One parent/carer will be able to accompany your nurse to help bring your child back from theatre.
How will my child be looked after following their operation?
Your child will be placed into their bed where your nurse will perform regular observations and be able to assess your child’s needs as they arise.
It is helpful to encourage your child to sleep as much as possible as this will help them to recover from the anaesthetic.
Please see the specific leaflet related to your child’s operation for further information.