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Getting ready to come to hospital

Everything you need to know about coming to stay in hospital for an operation including what to bring with you.

Eating and drinking

Donkey

It is very important that you have an empty tummy when you come for an operation or procedure so that we can look after you safely.

Here are some rules to follow…

  1. No food for six hours before your operation
  2. Sip water until you come to the hospital
  3. Ask the doctors and nurses if you are not sure
Can I eat and drink?

Coughs and colds

It is very common for children and young people get coughs, colds and other infections such as hand foot and mouth or chicken pox. Most of the time these infections are mild and self-limiting. They may even occur so frequently that it sems like the child is never really well.

Having an infection may seem like nothing important but it can make a real difference to you if you are also having an operation and it can also be a risk to other children who may have lowered immune systems.

It is really important that you tell us as soon as possible if you are unwell in the four weeks before your operation.

Often things will still go ahead as planned but sometimes, to keep you safe, we may need to postpone surgery for a little bit to give you time to recover and ensure that we can give you the safest possible care.

I’m a bit worried..

It is completely normal for you to be worried about coming to hospital for surgery, even if you have come to hospital before.

We hope that by coming to the pre assessment clinic and by downloading our Little Journeys app that you will be less worried.

Parents and carers

If you think that your child is very anxious we offer a number of extra services through our autism champions and consultant pre assessment clinic. Please speak to the pre assessment nursing team who will be able to refer you if you think it will help.

What should I bring to hospital?

The list below is a suggested list. Please do not feel you have to bring everything on it and do not worry if you do not have anything.

Please keep the number of valuables you bring to the hospital to a minimum; this includes electronic devices.

Please try and pack what you need into a small, easy to transport bag.

  • Any medical paperwork / red child record booklet.

  • Any medicines you or your child are currently taking.

  • Comfortable loose clothing that does not contain metal (pyjamas and dressing gown are ideal)

  • Spare underwear.

  • Slippers

  • Washbag with essential wash kit.

  • If your child wears nappies please bring an adequate supply of nappies and wipes. We do not have a supply of all sizes at the hospital.

  • Favourite toy or snuggle blanket.

  • Small number of toys or books to distract your child whilst they wait.

  • Snacks for after surgery. Although we have a good supply of food and snacks, if your child has particular tastes it can help to bring something from home.

  • Baby milk and bottle or cup if your child uses a particular one. We do not stock all brands of baby milk.

Autism

We know that coming to hospital for an operation can be particularly challenging for autistic children and parents. We are here to help.

After your pre assessment appointment one of our autism champions will be in touch to talk about how we can make things easier for you.

If you do not wish us to contact you, please just let us know when you have your pre assessment appointment.