Unplanned procedure information sheet
Contact information
Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick:
- Phone: (02) 9382 1447
- Location: Level 1, Building A
The Children's Hospital at Westmead:
- Phone: (02) 7825 2211
- Location: Level 3
Introduction
This information sheet explains what to expect when your child is having an unplanned procedure or surgery at our hospital.
Before coming to hospital
Plan your day
It's difficult to predict how long the process will take, so please plan to be at hospital for the whole day. Remember to make appropriate arrangements for sibling care.
Fasting
For anaesthetic safety, it is very important that your child does not eat or drink before surgery or the planned procedure. This includes formula/breast milk for infants. Please follow the fasting instructions we give you, as failure to do so may result in delays or cancellations.
Learn more about fasting before a procedure and anaesthesia in our Surgery and anaesthesia handbook.
Sip Til Send
If your child is having a procedure at the Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, your child can have clear fluids (like water or clear apple juice) every hour until their procedure.
Learn more about the 'Sip Til Send' protocol 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.
Your child will be waiting with others on the scheduled surgery list. Unfortunately, we can't tell you exactly how long you will need to wait as other children's surgeries may be delayed or take longer than anticipated.
The scheduled theatre list runs separately to the unplanned procedures theatre list. Therefore, these children may go for surgery before your child. The wait time for patients on the unplanned procedure list will vary.
We will try to keep you informed of where your child is on the list.
Things to know while you wait
- Drinking or eating may not be allowed in the waiting room. 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 feel free to 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 kitchen facilities
- Finding entertainment options (like our Starlight room)
Postponing the procedure
There is a chance that due to other emergency situations your child's procedure will need to be postponed.
If this happens, it will be rescheduled for the next day.
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
Recovery and discharge
Recovery
Recovery times vary from child to child. Nursing staff will advise when your child can eat and drink. Nurses will monitor your child during recovery.
You can learn more about recovering in hospital in our Surgery and anaesthesia handbook.
Discharge
Once your child has recovered from the anaesthetic, they will be discharged. Depending on the procedure, some patients will be sent home on the same day.
Your child may need some pain relief after going home. This will be discussed with you before discharge.
Follow up
Your child may need a follow up after their procedure. An appointment will be arranged for your child to return if necessary. Some patients may need follow up with their general practitioner or GP.