Preparing your child for surgery

If your child is coming to hospital for a procedure or surgery, it is very important that you and your child prepare properly.

Some of the things that your child might be asked to do include:

• Fasting (not eating or drinking for a period of time)
• Stopping certain medications
• Showering

If you don’t prepare properly your child’s procedure/surgery may not be able to go ahead.

Before your child’s procedure/surgery you will receive information from your doctor, clinic or in the mail. This may include brochures or information packs.

If you still have questions about how to prepare for your child’s procedure/surgery please contact the phone number on your letter from the hospital. After-hours please call (07) 4433 2490 for elective surgery via the planned procedure unit.

Useful resources

Preparing for your child's anaesthetic

A little deep sleep (video)
The fasting guidelines outlined in this video may vary according to your child’s age. Carers should also refer to the fasting guidance brochure provided by the Townsville University Hospital.

My journey to theatre
This theatre passport helps guide children through their elective surgery journey at the Townsville University Hospital.

Day surgery and your child
This brochure provides information for patients and carers.

Fasting instructions for children

Fasting and medication information for children
This brochure provides information for parents and carers on fasting and medication information for children.

Pain management for children

Your child’s anaesthetist will discuss pain management options to keep your child comfortable after their procedure/surgery. For some surgeries this may involve a local anaesthetic injection once your child is under anaesthesia.

• Caudal nerve block
• Epidural nerve block
• Penile nerve block
• Trunk nerve block

Contact us

During business hours

Townsville University Hospital
Ph: (07) 4433 1111

Elective surgery bookings office
Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm
Ph: (07) 4433 2800

After-hours numbers

Elective surgery via the planned procedure unit
Ph: (07) 4433 2490