An anaesthetic is a special type of sleep, a bit like putting a computer into standby mode and then turning it on again as soon as everything is done.
It allows the surgeon to perform your operation whilst you are comfortable, settled and still.
The anaesthetic is given by a specialist doctor called an anaesthetist. They have trained as a doctor first and then done more specialist training in anaesthetics and intensive care, and for most of those who look after children they have also done further specialist training in children’s anaesthesia.
It is their job to make children sleepy and then stay with them whilst the surgery is being done, taking care of them every step of the way.
You will be cared for by one of our anaesthetic team. They may be accompanied by junior anaesthetic doctors and are assisted by our specialist team of anaesthetic nurses and operating department practitioners.
More information for parents
There is more information about what to expect when your child has an anaesthetic in our Getting Ready to come to hospital section on this site. This section also has links to the Royal college of Anaesthetists information pages and details of our Little Journey preparation application which you can download and use at home for free.
If you need information about anaesthesia in other languages, all the leaflets on the Royal College of Anaesthetists website are available in multiple languages.