🧸 Pre-Operative Guidelines for Parents

We want your child to be safe, comfortable, and well cared for before their surgery.

🥤 Feeding Rules (Very Important)

🍽 Solid food & formula milk → Stop 6 hours before surgery

🍼 Breast milk → Stop 4 hours before surgery

🧃 Clear sweet liquids (apple juice, grape juice, black tea with sugar) → Allowed up to 2 hours before surgery

⚠️ If these rules aren’t followed, the surgery may need to be postponed or cancelled for safety reasons.

👕 Your child can come in their favourite clothes. We’ll change them once they are asleep.

🧸 A special toy or blanket is welcome.

👩‍👦 Parental presence:

Older than 6 months → One parent may stay until your child is asleep.

Babies under 6 months → Parent presence not essential.

Emergency cases → Parents may not be allowed in.

😴 Anaesthesia: Most children go to sleep with a mask and gas. A drip, if needed, is usually inserted after your child is asleep.

Theatre list usually starts at 2:00 PM.

Please arrive at the hospital admissions desk at 12:00 PM.

Your child will be admitted to the ward.

The anaesthetist will meet you before theatre.

Your child may not be first on the list – order depends on several reasons.

Hi there! 👋 Surgery can feel a little scary, but we’re here to help you feel safe.

Keep it Simple – We’ll only tell you what you need to know.

Ask Questions – You can ask us anything, anytime.

Make a List – If you’re older, write your questions down.

Feelings are Okay – It’s normal to feel scared or worried. Tell us how you feel – we’ll listen.

You can bring your favourite toy or blanket.

You’ll wear special hospital clothes (but you can come in your own first).

To fall asleep, you’ll use a soft mask with special sleepy air.

When you wake up, your parents will be close by.

💙 Remember: We’ll take care of you every step of the way.