Information for parents
Parking
We offer concessionary parking for parents at a rate of £1 per day.
Please pay £7.50 to put 6 - 24 hours of parking on your car on the day of surgery. You can then claim £6.50 back from the cashier’s office when you leave.
Please see the parking pages for more details.
Whats to expect on the day
The day surgery department opens at 8am. Please be aware that staff are setting up before that time and may not be available to admit you until 8am.
The waiting area can get very busy as we have lots of patients on our day case list each week. In the interests of comfort for all of our patients we ask that you do not bring lots of family members with you. Please keep visitors to just two adults, one of which being the child’s parent or guardian.
Your child and the other children and young people there will be starved for theatre. Please do not eat and drink in the waiting area.
There are usually several different theatre lists running on the same day. Each list would usually start with the youngest patient and work up in age order.
Only one parent is able to go into the anaesthetic room with your child.
We provide some games and activities including colouring, reading books and Duplo. The play/waiting area can get quite busy so you may want to bring your own book, iPod or activity to keep your child occupied. Please note, we cannot accept any responsibility for any items you bring with you on the day.
It is nice for children and young people to have familiar things with them when they come to hospital. Please feel free to bring a comforter/ dummy, blanket or favourite cuddly toy with you when you come in.
Food and drink
We provide food and drink for patients. There is toast, yoghurts, jelly, biscuits and a selection of sandwiches. Complimentary tea and coffee is available for parents. Please note that food and drink is not allowed in the waiting area.
There is a shop, café and restaurant in the hospital where you can purchase additional food and drink for yourself.
Supporting your child having an anaesthetic
Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to begin when trying to explain things to children. It can also be a stressful and daunting time as a parent especially if you do not know what to expect. We have included links to some useful websites and our own video for you and your child to help you understand and explain what may happen.
The Royal College of Anaesthetics has a useful information leaflet for parents available here.
Find out more about your child's general anaesthetic here
You can also find information about identifying and managing your child’s pain following day case surgery at www.mychildisinpain.org.uk.
Comments and Feedback
We would like to make your stay on the ward with your child as comfortable as possible. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s care or treatment please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
If you would like to make any comments about the care or facilities you can do so by:
- Speaking to a member of staff
- Filling out a comments form
(these can be found in the waiting area) - Contacting the PALS office on 0300 123 1732
Click here for more information about comments and complaints