Your child's treatment

Your child's treatment

Your appointment letter will tell you what time you need to arrive at the hospital.

Please remember to follow any special instructions that your child may have been given, such as fasting or stopping any medicines.

If your child is having general anaesthetic or an MRI scan, please make sure they do not eat anything or drink milk for six hours beforehand.

Your child can drink clear fluids (water or diluted squash) for up to two hours before surgery or a scan.

If your child is unwell or has a very high temperature on the day (above 38 degrees) please call the ward on 020 7460 5991 and speak to a nurse in charge. They will advise whether your child should come into hospital.

What to bring with you

Here's what you're likely to need:

• any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines your child is taking, in their original containers.
• copies of relevant medical information, such as medical records, X-rays or scans.
• your insurance or sponsor details - a pre-authorisation number or letter of guarantee
• your child may like to bring a special toy or comforter, or even their duvet cover, blanket or pillowcase to help them feel more at home.
• toiletries (toothbrush and paste, hairbrush/comb etc). We provide towels, soap, shower gel and shampoo.
• nightwear, dressing gown, slippers and loose clothing to wear during the day.
• if you have a young child or baby, please bring in your usual milk formula, bottles and own breast pump if required.
• we have short-term sterilising facilities but for a longer stay please bring your steriliser with you.

Arriving at the hospital

Please go to the main reception desk on arrival and register with our admissions team.

You’ll be met by one of our Skyline team who will take you to our safe and secure ward – access is by video entry system. They will introduce you to the nurse taking care of your child.

If your child hasn’t been to the pre-admission clinic, the nurse will carry out a full assessment. This includes taking medical history and doing routine measurements and tests.

Your child’s nurse will give them a wristband which is to be worn on their wrist or ankle at all times. This is extremely important as your child’s dedicated team refer to the wristband before they carry out any examination, procedure or give medication.

For your child's safety, tell the nurse about any allergies, or medicines/ dietary supplements that your child may be taking.

Preparing for theatre

Nursing staff will make sure your child fasts before the procedure. Your child won't need to wear a theatre gown, but they should wear one layer of loose-fitting clothes for safety and comfort.

You are very welcome to stay with your child as they prepare to go to theatre and are given an anaesthetic.

The Rainbow Theatre is next to the Skyline ward and your child will stay here to get their bearings. This helps to reduce stress for both children and their parents.

Your child’s consultant will give you a specific time for the surgery or MRI scan. However, as some consultants may be treating three or four children in one day, the time of your child’s surgery may change.

We will always do our best to keep you informed about what is happening and why.

Recovery

After your child has had their procedure, a nurse will take you to the recovery area and back to your child’s room when they’re ready.

The consultant and nursing team will discuss how the procedure has gone with you, and what you can expect to happen next.

Your child may need to spend time recovering in their room, where they will be well-cared for by specialist nurses and support staff.

There may be a follow-up consultation with your consultant, and your child may need a programme of physiotherapy or occupational therapy, as required.

Otherwise, they will be able to leave the hospital when their consultant feels they are ready. The pharmacy will prepare any medicines or other items you need to take home.