We strongly recommend that you attend The Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic with your child prior to surgery.  Both parents and children cope with this stressful event much better when they are prepared and know what to expect.  Part of your visit includes a tour of the paediatric unit; the operating room, recovery room and short stay unit. The nurse will explain how to prepare for your child’s operation, what to expect after surgery and how to plan for discharge and recovery. Appointments are one hour so you will have time to ask any questions you may have. Please contact us at (416) 469-6580 x2648 for an appointment.

How you can help your child understand their surgery:

• Begin by understanding the procedures yourself. Do not begin explanations with your child until the day before surgery. This way, he/she will have less time to worry and will remember what you have said.
•  Use a body outline of a child drawn on paper, or a doll or stuffed animal as a model. Point out only the body areas that will be affected. Make sure that your child understands that only these areas will be touched.
• Tell your child what will be repaired or removed and why. Make it clear that the operation is necessary and that it will make her/him feel better. For example, after a tonsillectomy, she/he will have fewer sore throats. Also stress that an operation will not change your child e.g. They will still be able to speak after having their tonsils removed.
• The words ‘surgery’ or ‘operation’ will have no meaning to your child. Instead, you can explain that she/he will be going to see the doctor in a special room, and that the doctors and nurses will look different (wearing masks and scrub hats) and after sleeping a ‘special sleep’ your child will wake up to see Mom & Dad again when it is over.
• Most importantly, emphasize the end of the procedure, and that your child will feel better and be able to go home. Accept your child’s nervousness and fear. If you show anxiety, your child will feel more anxiety When your child is ready to go home, the nurse will go over discharge instructions with you. In addition, a nurse will phone you approximately 24 hours after discharge. If you have any questions or concerns, you can ask the nurse or phone your child’s doctor.