Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery at All Children's Hospital

Most surgeries at All Children's Hospital are performed by the Surgery Department on the second floor of the hospital. The surgery unit at All Children's hospital has been designed to provide first-class care, centered on the patient and family. Admissions, registration, pre-surgical unit, operating rooms and recovery (Post Anesthesia Care Unit, or "PACU") are all located in close proximity. Parents or guardians are able to stay with their child up to their departure for the operating room, and are able to join them at the bedside as they recover.

Preparing your Child for Surgery at All Children's Hospital

Anticipating an upcoming surgery can be a frightening experience for a child -- but it doesn't have to be. Here are some resources that you can use to help your child prepare for their surgery at All Children's Hospital.

• Schedule an Orientation:
  The All Children's Hospital Child Life Services Department is staffed with Child Life Specialists who are experts in assisting children with the challenges of the hospital experience. An orientation with a Child Life Specialist will help your child to understand what to expect from the hospital experience, and explain in a child-friendly way what the procedure will be. To schedule an orientation or ask questions about Child Life, please call (727) 767-4323.
  
• Age-Appropriate Preparation:
  Children of different ages have different needs. These sections will help you prepare your child and yourself for your child's surgery:
  • Preparing Your Infant for Surgery
  • Preparing Your 2 - 5 Year Old for Surgery
  • Preparing Your 6 - 11 Year Old for Surgery
  • Preparing Your 12 - 18 Year Old for Surgery

Information for Parents

A bit of preparation on the part of the patient's parents goes a long way towards making the entire experience as smooth as possible with a minimum of stress and uncertiainty. Being well-prepared also helps the parent be available to provide attention and comfort to their child.

Use these resources to prepare for your child's surgery:

• Things to Know ahead of Time
  Assorted items to know about the Surgery Unit at All Children's Hospital -- who should come, what not to bring, accommodations, what to do if your child gets sick before surgery.
• Before Coming to the Hospital
  Items to take care of in the days leading up to surgery, such as Pre-Admission Testing, Child Life Orientation and Tour.
• Getting Ready at Home
  Things to do on the day of the surgery
• During and After Surgery
  Things to know about the surgery and post-surgery period
• Maps, Directions, and Parking
  Getting here, and finding where to go when you get here
• EMMI Safety Video
  A short video with tips on how to prepare for a successful and safe visit to All Children's Hospital

Additional Questions?

If you or your child have additional questions, there are a variety of ways to get answers:

A series of informative recordings are available via telephone by calling (727) 767-8561 or (800) 456-4543 x78561 (Pre-Admissions Testing) and following the directions.

If you have any questions or would like additional information on helping your child adjust to hospitalization at All Children's, please call
All Children's Hospital Child Life Dept.
at (727) 767-4323
or (800) 456-4543 x74323

If you have questions regarding surgery time, please call...
Pre-Admission Testing
at (727) 767-8561
or (800) 456-4543 x78561