Children's Surgical Services

How can I prepare my child for surgery?

Tell your child about their procedure and allow them to ask questions. It is normal to have some fears or concerns and you do not have to have all the answers. Your child's care team is here to help.

A Child Life Specialist can also help. He or she has training in child growth and development and is an expert at supporting children through their hospital stay. You can contact a Child Life Specialist for:

• information about the hospital and what your child can expect
• support after viewing the above video, “Preparing your child for surgery at Osler”
• scheduling a tour of the inpatient unit before the surgery

To reach a Child Life Specialist, please call the hospital where your child will have surgery:
Brampton Civic/Peel Memorial: 905-494-2120 ext. 57391
Etobicoke General: 416-494-2120 ext. 39321

What should I bring to the hospital for my child?

When your child is admitted to hospital for day surgery, bring:

• your child's slippers
• a comfort item (e.g. favourite blanket, toy(s), stuffed animal, book)
• cup or bottle to drink from after surgery

If your child is admitted to hospital for an overnight stay after surgery, bring:

• pajamas and/or robe (if they prefer to wear their own)
• socks and slippers
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• comfort items
• cup or bottle to drink from after surgery
• any medication your child takes, in the original labelled container if possible

How many family members can stay with our child on the day of surgery?

One parent or guardian can stay with your child before and after their procedure. We ask that siblings and extended family not come to the hospital on the day of surgery.

I'd like to stay with my child in the hospital. What is available?

While at the hospital, you can:

• use the washroom facilities in your child's room
• bring your meals from home or buy them from the hospital's food outlets

A pharmacy and gift shop are also available on hospital grounds.

If your child is admitted overnight, you can stay with them if you wish. We provide one parent/guardian with a cot or sleep chair in the child's room. Please bring your personal toiletries and a change of clothes from home.

Having a child in the hospital is tough. What is available to help me cope?

We know this isn't easy. The following can help:

• Ask your nurse to connect you with a Child Life Specialist. They can answer questions about your child being in the hospital. If you like, they can also offer ideas on how you can support your child.
• Speak to the nurse, paediatrician and/or surgeon if you have any concerns about your child being in hospital, the plan of care, etc.
• Speak with other members of the health care team (e.g. the social worker), as needed.

Your nurse can also keep you informed about your child's care, any changes to the care plan and the date your child is expected to go home. If your child is admitted, their doctor will visit your child to review his or her care and progress. You can participate in these visits (called “rounds”). This is a good way to stay informed about any changes to your child's care, as well as the date your child may go home. Ask the nurse when rounds will occur.

What do I need to do to take my child home?

As your child recovers, the doctor or nurse will discuss with you plans for sending your child home. They will give you:

• information on caring for your child after surgery
• instructions for your child's eating, drinking and activity level at home, if needed
• a prescription for medications to take at home, if needed

Please arrange a ride home following the surgery and recovery period. If your child is admitted, please arrange for a ride home the morning of the day of discharge.