Children’s and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
It is very important that you follow the instructions below if your child has had a general anaesthetic so that you can keep them safe until the effects of their anaesthetic have worn off. This can take up to 24 hours.
Wound
To help prevent infection your child should practice good oral hygiene. Tooth brushing can start the day after surgery. Brush gently around the surgical area with a soft tooth brush.
Your child should also avoid mouth rinsing until the day after surgery as this could start fresh bleeding. Any prescribed mouth wash can be started at this time.
Do not give your child very hot or very cold drinks.
Bleeding
There may be some bleeding after the surgery. If bleeding occurs place a clean, damp pack or handkerchief over the bleeding point and apply pressure. This may be painful, but a clot should form and the bleeding should stop within 5 to 10 minutes.
If you are continuing to have problems, please contact the hospital on the numbers below.
Nausea and vomiting
Swallowing blood can make people feel sick, or vomit. Young children tend to swallow the blood rather than spit it out. If your child vomits after discharge this will probably be the reason why. Do not worry if the vomit contains some blood.
Managing pain
Your child may have had local anaesthetic into the mouth for pain relief. This will last a few hours. It is important to give medication by mouth, if due, before this wears off. We advise regular pain relief medication for the first few days following the operation.
Please follow the instructions on the bottle and DO NOT give your child more than the stated doses.
Swelling
After oral surgery there is sometimes swelling and stiffness of the jaw, this is normal. It may not appear for 24 to 48 hours and can take 7 to 10 days to subside.
Medication
If antibiotics are prescribed by the hospital, you must ensure you take the full course. If your child develops symptoms of an allergy, such as a rash, or sickness, please seek advice as soon as possible from the ward or your GP.
Important
If an Allergic Reaction occurs please dial 999 or attend your nearest Accident and Emergency Department to seek urgent medical advice.
Who can I contact for advice?
Children and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
Telephone: 01642 854927
Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 19.00pm
Email: [email protected]
Ward 22
Telephone: 01642 854522 (24 hours)
Children’s Day Unit – Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
Telephone: 01609 763023
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
