Surgery For Children

HELPFUL GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Bring a record of the child's immunization history on the day of surgery.
Plan to be with your child in the Surgery Center before and after surgery. Parents may rejoin their child as soon as the child awakens.
Parents of minors (children under the age of 18) are required to stay on the premises throughout the patient's stay.
It is suggested that two adults accompany the child on discharge. During the ride home, one will be able to care for the child while the other drives.
In the unlikely event that your child's surgical or anesthetic procedure becomes unexpectedly prolonged or complicated, your child's physician may arrange admission to the hospital.
When a child is required to stay overnight at the hospital, one parent may stay in the room with him or her.
You are encouraged to bring a special toy and/or blanket or pacifier with you for your child.
Please review the Pediatric Pre-Surgical Food and Drink instructions.

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR SURGERY

Some children 18 years of age or younger are not required to have pre-surgical testing. In order to determine if your child requires pre-surgical testing, a nurse will contact the parent or guardian by phone prior to surgery in order to conduct a telephone interview. A medical history will be obtained and pre-op instructions will be given at this time. A pre-surgical testing visit is available upon request.
Tours for children and their families are available through the Volunteer Office. We encourage all parents/guardians to take advantage of this special service. Please contact our Volunteer office at (518) 262-1493 if you are interested in a tour. Special books explaining operations and hospitals are available for you to read to your child. Please ask our nurses to show you where they are.

PEDIATRIC PRE-SURGICAL FOOD AND DRINK INSTRUCTIONS