Special Care For Children
We give children the extra care they need in an unfamiliar setting.
Following these instructions may prevent delays or cancellation of the surgery.
Food and Drink
- Adults and children must not eat any solid intake for 8 hours prior to their procedure.
- Adults and children must not have non-human milk or formula for 6 hours prior to their procedure.
- Infants must not have breast milk for 4 hours prior to their procedure.
- Adults and children must not have clear liquids for 2 hours prior to their procedure.
*Fasting guidelines are the same for both adults and pediatric patients.
*Reference: the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc. Wolters Kluwer Health: Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting and the Use of Pharmacologic Agents to Reduce the Risk of Pulmonary Aspiration: Application to Healthy Patients Undergoing Elective Procedures 2017; V126: 376-93
Parental Care
We require at least one parent to remain in the center during the surgery and recovery. Please do not bring other young children along. If your child’s surgery is scheduled near noon, you may want to bring a lunch for yourself while you are waiting.
Personal Comforts
Please bring your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy for added security.
After Surgery
You will be able to be with your child as soon as he/she is awake and medically safe for transfer after recovery.
Special Care For Special Needs Adults
We understand that loved ones who depend upon others for daily living require special attention. The following tips, will help make care for these adults easier:
Consent
The legal guardian needs to sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery.
For Admission
Please bring the patient’s recent health history and medication information. Be certain to follow the food and drink rules in the Before My Surgery section.
Personal Attendant
As with other patients, special needs patients require a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult to remain at the center from admission through recovery. A personal attendant will be required to stay with the patient for 24 hours after discharge.