When a child is referred for elective surgery, parents often wonder what to bring to the hospital for surgery. Often, in the face of such an event, it is difficult to collect one's thoughts and questions pile up in one's mind. What documents will be needed? How to properly prepare for surgery and what to pay attention to? What should I take my child to the hospital for a procedure? How to pack a bag? What toys to choose?
If your child is scheduled for surgery, this article will provide you with a basic list of necessary items and accessories.
What to take to hospital for surgeryWhat documents are needed upon admission to the ward?
When we bring a child to the hospital, the little patient must walk before being admitted to the ward preliminary qualification for the procedure. The qualification is most often a two-stage procedure, carried out by a surgeon and an anesthesiologist, and is intended to finally confirm the validity of the procedure and exclude any contraindications to the operation.
During qualifications, parents (and children over 16 years of age) also sign, among others: consent to perform the procedure. What to take to the hospital for surgery, what documents will parents be asked for at the emergency room?
When admitting a child to hospital, parents should have with them:
- a document confirming the child's identity, the child's PESEL number;
- the child's health booklet with a current vaccination card;
- a complete set of diagnostic test results: imaging and laboratory tests (it is worth organizing them in a special folder with compartments).
What else should I take to the hospital for the procedure? During qualification at the Emergency Room, parents are most often asked to present certificates from specialist doctors if the child is under their care. Parents must also complete and sign questionnaires regarding, among others: the child's allergies, chronic diseases, previous surgeries or medications taken on a regular basis.
It is worth asking about the qualification process and the required documents by phone or in person, e.g. when setting a date for a planned procedure at the hospital.
What to bring for baby to hospital for surgery, so as not to forget anything: a list of necessary things and accessories
When packing your child to the hospital, let's focus on reasonable minimalism, remembering that various types of pathogens accumulate on clothes and accessories in the hospital. When we are wondering what to take our child to the hospital for surgery, let's choose clothes and toys easy to keep clean.
Below is a sample list of necessary things and accessories that are worth taking with you. Remember, however, that the number of items taken should depend on the planned length of stay in the facility.
Clothes:
- a short-sleeved T-shirt/bodysuit for each day of your stay (it's also good to have an extra pair of pieces in stock);
Let's try to avoid tight clothes, with tight legs and sleeves that make it difficult, for example, to take blood.
- 3-4 pairs of trousers (the cannula is sometimes worn on the foot, so it is worth avoiding rompers and shorts with attached feet);
- socks and, for diapered children, also panties for each day of their stay;
- 1-2 sweatshirts (preferably zipped);
- 2 pajamas.
What to take to the hospital for surgery for children who can already walk? Slippers with non-slip soles and shower flip-flops will come in handy.
Cosmetic bag and hygiene accessories:
It is recommended to take it to the hospital everyday cosmetics, poured into small containers. Will be usefull:
- shower gel;
- shampoo;
- body lotion;
- toothbrush and toothpaste for the child.
Don't forget to pack 1-2 towels or a bathrobe with a hood. For the youngest, we should also take the appropriate number of diapers, a changing mat, diaper cream, wet wipes and diaper rash ointment.
What to take to a children's hospital for surgery if your baby no longer uses diapers? If you don't want to use a hospital potty, take your own from home.
Other useful accessories:
- wet wipes;
- soothing pacifier, formula, bottles and accessories for cleaning and sterilization;
- several cloth diapers;
- if the child has an extended diet, take some of their favorite snacks, e.g. mousses in tubes, muesli bars, nuts and mineral water;
- bib, cutlery, bowl and cup/bottle.