During your child’s time with us, every member of our team will be dedicated to making sure that his or her stay is as pleasant, comfortable and reassuring as possible. We’re also aware that this can also be a traumatic time for the parents and we’ll do our best to support you too.
The key reasons children come to Toronto Private Hospital for surgery include dentistry, urology and ophthalmology. Our operating theatres are equipped with modern technology in order to achieve optimal surgical outcomes. This, combined with a high standard of nursing care, ensures your child has access to quality medical attention.
Below is some additional information to help you understand and prepare for your child’s surgery.
- Admissions for Children
- Overnight Stays
Admissions for Children
The pre-admission, admission and discharge process for children is similar to that of adults.
Our Overnight Stay section provides comprehensive information about activities that you need to do to ensure your child’s visit to hospital runs smoothly.
Please use this information in conjunction with the additional information provided below, to help you understand and prepare for your child’s surgery.
Pre-Surgery
Children are encouraged to bring a favourite toy with them to take to theatre. Parents are encouraged to stay with their child as long as possible prior to the operation.
After the Procedure
Your child will wake up in the recovery room where skilled staff will monitor them. To ensure you are away from your child for a minimal amount of time, a nurse will take you to your child as they are awakening. When your child is well enough, they will be transferred from the Recovery Room to the Surgical Unit where they will continue their recovery. Drink and food will be provided prior to discharge.
Before leaving the unit, you’ll be given post-operative instructions regarding your child’s dressings, medication, physical activity, appointment times, and emergency contact numbers for any queries or concerns.
Going Home
Your child will need to rest for at least 12 to 24 hours following the anaesthetic. Your surgeon will advise you of the length of time required to recover – depending on the type of procedure and individual needs.
One of our nursing staff will be in contact with you by phone to follow-up on your child’s recovery. This is a good opportunity to discuss any additional questions you may have. Please let the nursing staff know if a call at home won’t be appropriate.
Overnight Stays
In many cases, your child’s procedure can be safely performed as a day procedure, but in some cases an overnight stay in hospital is necessary.
If your child is staying overnight, they will be transferred from the Recovery Room to the Surgical Ward. We try to ensure that children aren’t unnecessarily separated from parents, so we encourage a parent to stay with their child overnight. We encourage parents or carers to spend as much time as possible with their child during hospitalisation. Where possible, we also encourage you to assist with the washing, dressing, feeding and entertaining of your child, as this helps to minimise the trauma of being cared for by strangers.
