Every Thursday, the unit is open from 07.00-21.00 to provide care for children undergoing planned surgical procedures. Please be aware that the time you are asked to attend the unit is not your operation time but your booking in time. This is a requirement so that your child can be seen by the various healthcare professionals involved in their care. Please be aware that we have mixed sex facilities for children. We ask that parents do not eat/drink in the waiting room.
During the admission process, your child will have routine observations carried out such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature. A local anaesthetic cream is usually applied to both hands.
The unit waiting room is used as a play room with a variety of activities for children of all ages. Our Play Specialists use pictures and props to explain what your child should expect on the day, accompany children into the anaesthetic room to provide distraction and provide play activities throughout their stay.
Following your child’s operation, recovery times vary depending on the type of operation performed. Children react to anaesthetic in different ways so sometimes require a longer recovery period. This may mean transfer to the Children’s Ward for possible overnight stay. If this is the case there is provision for a parent/guardian to stay with them.
We are a research active unit and you may be invited to participate in relevant research studies.