Emergency surgery information sheet
Contact information
Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick:
- Phone: (02) 9382 1447
- Location: Level 1, Building A
Introduction
This information sheet explains what to expect when your child is having emergency surgery at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick.
What is emergency surgery?
When a doctor decides your child needs surgery, they will add your child to the Emergency surgery list.
The doctor selects the level, or category of urgency for your child's surgery. Each category has a recommended timeframe in which the surgery should be completed. Times range from 1 hour through to 72 hours.
You are welcome to ask the doctor or nurse about the level of urgency for your child's surgery.
Before coming to hospital
Plan your day
It's difficult to predict how long you will be at the hospital, so please plan to be here for the whole day. Remember to make appropriate arrangements for sibling care.
Fasting
When your child is having an anaesthetic, it is important that they do not eat before the surgery. Please follow the fasting instructions we give you, as failure to do so may result in delays or cancellations.
Sip Til Send
At Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, we follow the Sip Til Send program which means your child can have clear fluids (like water or clear apple juice) every hour until they go into surgery.
Learn more about the 'Sip Til Send' in our Surgery and anaesthesia handbook.
What to bring
Please bring your child's:
- Medicare card
- Regular medications
- A change of clothes
- Something to do (like a colouring book, board game, gaming console or book)
Learn more about preparing for a surgery in our Surgery and anaesthesia handbook.
At the hospital
Waiting times and surgery lists
Waiting in hospital before and during your child's procedure can be stressful.
The scheduled theatre list runs separately to the Emergency Theatre list. Therefore, the wait time for patients on the Emergency list will vary. Other children who may not have been waiting as long, may go for surgery before your child.
We will keep you informed updated throughout the day.
While you wait
- Eating and drinking is not allowed in the waiting room except for clear fluids. This is because children are fasting and its difficult to see people eating when you are hungry.
- Your child can play while they wait. Some toys are provided, but please bring a favourite activity or toy with you from home.
- Please ask our staff if you need help in:
- Comforting your child
- Pain relief for your child
- Finding entertainment options (like our Starlight room)
Ronald McDonald Family Room
Once your child has gone into theatre, you are welcome to go to the Ronald McDonald Family Room to wait.
The Family Room is directly above the overflow waiting area - take the lift to level 2, turn right when you exit the lift and the Family Room is on your right.
The Family Room provides double rooms for resting, showers and laundry facilities. The living area has a television and snacks. Home cooked meals are prepared by volunteers.
If you are waiting in the Family Room during your child's surgery, your nurse will contact you once your child is out of surgery.
Please ask your nurse for further information.
Postponed procedures
Sometimes, due to other emergency situations your child's procedure may be postponed.
If this happens, your medical team will let you know and reschedule the surgery.
Complaints, concerns or compliments
You can provide feedback to us through the Patient Friend. They are available to discuss complaints, concerns or compliments.
You can contact the Patient Friend via phone or you can ask a nurse to arrange a meeting.
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Patient Friend: (02) 9382 0680
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Patient Friend: (02) 7825 3535