What to bring the day of surgery
- Your child's insurance information, including authorization numbers.
- All of your child?s medication bottles, and/or pharmacy receipts, so medication doses can be verified.
- A written list of any questions you and your child may have.
- Your child's special blanket, stuffed animal or small toy.
- A CD player/iPod with headphones if your child is having local anesthesia. He or she may be able to use them.
- Two adults may be with your child in the Preoperative area and Recovery Room; however, please do not bring brothers or sisters, or additional people such as grandparents or friends.
- A copy of court papers regarding legal guardianship, if this applies:
- The phone number of the legal guardian or social worker if you are not the legal guardian.
Patients over 18 years of age who will receive anesthesia or sedation must be accompanied by a responsible adult. This adult must bring them home and stay with them overnight, or arrange to have a responsible adult stay with the patient overnight.
When you arrive at the hospital
Please arrive 90 minutes before the scheduled surgery time. This allows time to register, and perform any blood tests or other necessary assessments. If your child is scheduled for surgery at 7:30 a.m., please arrive at 6:15 a.m.
BOSTON: Allow extra time for parking. Children's Parking Garage is across the street from the Main Entrance. Valet parking is available at the front entrance of the hospital. Valet services begin at 6:15 a.m. Your parking ticket may be validated for a discount at the information desk in the Main Lobby.
Enter the building through the Main Lobby and go to the information desk. Tell the person at the desk that you, or your child, have an appointment for Day Surgery. You will be directed to either the Admitting Office for a blood test or to the Day Surgery Unit on Main 3.
WALTHAM: Parking is free and nearby to the entrance. Valet service is not available in Waltham.
A receptionist in the lobby will direct you to the Surgery Center on the third floor.
Leading up to surgery
You may stay with your child at all times before surgery. You may also be able to stay with your child during the start of anesthesia (also called Parent Present Induction). Your child's anesthesiologist will talk with you about this program. If you are pregnant, please tell the nurse or anesthesia provider.
Once your child is asleep in the operating room, someone will bring or direct you to the Family Waiting Room.
The surgery will take place as close to the scheduled time as possible. Sometimes emergencies may delay the surgery. Staff will keep you informed.
After surgery
The surgeon will meet with you in the Family Waiting Room. The nurse will take you to your child's bedside when your child is settled in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (recovery room).
Most children stay in the recovery room for 30 minutes or up to two hours after surgery. Some stays are longer, depending on the surgery and the patient's diagnosis.
Your child's nurse will teach you what you need to know to care for your child at home, answer any questions you may have and give you written instructions. You may take your child home when he or she is ready and you have learned the care required.
Please make sure all transportation arrangements are made for discharge following surgery. Be aware that public transportation is not an option after receiving anesthesia or sedation.
At home
The morning or afternoon after surgery, a Recovery Room nurse will call you to see how your child is doing.
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