Pediatric Surgery at Newton Memorial Hospital/Newton Medical Center
Pre-Anesthesia Screening
- Your physician's office will give you instructions on scheduling your Pre-Anesthesia Screening appointment. A pediatric nurse wil contact yo uprior the surgery to review your child's health history.
- Please have the Patient Pre-Anesthesia Questionnaire that was given to you at your child's doctor's office completed and available for the phone interview. Please complete both pages of the questionnaire.
- If your child takes any medications, please check with the surgeon on when to stop them or if the medication should contiinue. This is especially important for any medications containing aspirin, such as Advil or Motrin.
Preparing Your Child For Surgery
- Be honest with your child. The most important thing you can do to emotionally prepare yoru child for surgery is to be honest when you talk about the hospital experience. For example, preoperative blood tests hurt, so don't tell a child that needle is "painless," or "feels like a tiny mosquito bite." We have that children who know what to expect are less fearful and have a better experience.
- Newton Memorial Hospital/Medican Center offers a "Preparing Your Child for Surgery" program to familiarize the child and parents to the hospital community prior to surgery. This excellent program helps to reduce anxiety regarding the hospitalization of the child. A pediatric nurse provides the tour/program to the child and parent(s). Included are a tour of the Pediatric Unit, recovery room, and lounge: an education film; and light refreshments. In addition, this provides an opportunity for the child to have a "hands-on experience" of surgical apparel, including an anesthesia mask, and patient unit equipment such as the call light, bedpain, IV, crib or bed. Parents and the child are encouraged to ask questions and discuss any concerns. Registration for this program may be done by calling the Education Department at (973) 579-8340.
Parents Are An Important Part Of Our Team
- The Pediatric and Perioperative staff appreciates the important role you plan in the care of your child. We have developed a program in which you may be able to stay with your child until he or she falls asleep. You will have the opportunity to discuss this further with an anesthesiologist here at the Hospital.
The Day Before YOur Child's Surgery
- On the day prior to surgery, call the Pediatrics Unit at (973) 579-8560 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to find out the time you and your child need to be at the Hospital.
- You will be asked to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled time. In addition, at Pediatric Nurse will aks more questions and review any concerns you may have about your child's surgery.
- Going for a number of hours without eating or drinking is often difficult, especially for children. Do not allow the child to eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes milk products, candy, gum, mints, and water.
- Please make sure that your child does not wear jewelry, nail polish, or artificial nails on the day of his or her surgery.
- Your child is allowed to bring a small toy or blanket for comfort.
The Day Of Surgery
- On your child's day of surgery, please report to the Admitting Office, located on teh first floor of the Hospital. After checking in, you will be directed to the Pediatrics Unit.
- Once on the Pediatrics Unit, and in his or her room, your child will be given a patient gown. A bracelet will be put on for your child to wear while he or she is at the Hospital. It's important for our child to wear it until he or she goes home.
- An "IV" or needle may be inserted in your child's arm, if ordered by the doctor. This IV provides a route for antibiotic administration, or pain medication as needed.
- If your child is a girl and of menstruating age, she will be asked to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing. This testing allows us to provide the safest care for your child.
- We recommend that valuables be left at home, as the Hospital cannot be held responsible for unattended items.
- Please do not bring other children (sisters, brothers) on the day of surgery.
Meeting Your Child In The Recovery Room
- After the surgery is complete, your child will be taken to the PACU/Recovery Room for post-operative care. The recovery room nurse will require a few minutes to settle your child, and then will invite you to join your child in recovery. Please feel free to bring your child's small toy or blanket with you.
- After a recovery period, your child will be taken back to the Pediatrics Unit. Your doctor and pediatric nurse will work with you to decide the appropriate time for your child to be sent home.
- Before your child is sent home, a member of the Pediatric Nursing Staff will talk to you about how to care for your child at home.