Children and Special Needs Adults
Special Care For Children
Children are special. At Northwest Hills Surgical Hospital, we work hard to meet the special needs of children and create a relaxed, comfortable environment for them.
Please read these guidelines on this page for children, and refer to the Before My Surgery and Day of Surgery sections for further tips. Following these instructions may prevent delays or cancellation of the surgery.
Drink
Children under the age of 12 may have clear liquids up to three hours prior to surgery. Clear liquids include water, apple juice, soft drinks, and Kool-Aid. No milk or orange juice is permitted. Infants on breast milk may continue to feed up to five hours before surgery and infant formula may be given up to seven hours before surgery.
Food
Children must not eat anything after midnight the night before surgery. Please do not allow them to chew gum, suck on candy, or swallow toothpaste before surgery
Parental Care
We encourage parents to discuss the surgery with their child beforehand to help alleviate stress. One parent will accompany the child to the pre-op area and is encouraged to stay with the child until he or she is taken into surgery. We require at least one parent to remain in the hospital during the surgery and recovery. Please do not bring other young children along. If your child’s surgery is scheduled near noon, you may want to bring a lunch for yourself while you are waiting. One parent will be allowed into the recovery area as soon as medically appropriate. When discharged, we recommend that one parent drive home and one parent care for the child.
Personal Comforts
Please bring your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy for added security.
After Surgery
You will be able to be with your child as soon as he/she is awake and medically safe for transfer after recovery.
Special Care For Special Needs Adults
We understand that loved ones who depend upon others for daily living require special attention. Besides the guidelines provided, the following tips will help to make caring for these adults easier:
Consent
The legal guardian needs to sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery.
For Admission
Please bring the patient’s recent health history and medication information. Be certain to follow the food and drink rules in the Before Surgery section.
Personal Attendant
As with other patients, special needs patients require a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult to remain at the center from admission through recovery. A personal attendant will be required to stay with the patient for 24 hours after discharge.
