Special Care For Children
We give children the extra care they need in an unfamiliar setting.
Please refer to the Before My Surgery and During Your Stay for further tips, as well as the guidelines on this page for children. Following these instructions may prevent delays or cancellation of the surgery.
Drink
Our Pre-op Nurse will provide specific instructions via phone in advance of your date of service. In general, children may have less than 1 cup (8 oz) of clear liquids up to three hours before their arrival. This includes water, apple juice, soft drinks and Kool-Aid. NO milk or orange juice please.
Food
In general, children must not eat anything for eight hours before their arrival. Please do not allow them to suck on candy or swallow toothpaste before surgery. As mentioned above, our Pre-op Nurse will call you in advance of your procedure date and give specific instructions. If you have not received a call from us by 2:00 the day before your date of service, please call us at 205/345-5500.
Parental Care
We require at least one parent to remain in the center during the surgery and recovery. If possible, please do not bring other young children along. Family and friends are welcome, however space can be limited at times and we may need parents assistance managing visitors.
Personal Comforts
Please bring your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy for added security.
After Surgery
You will be able to be with your child as soon as he/she is awake and medically safe for transfer after recovery.
Special Care For Special Needs Adults
We understand that loved ones who depend upon others for daily living require special attention. Besides the guidelines in the Before My Surgery and Day of Surgery, the following tips, will help make care for these adults easier:
Consent
If the patient is not able to sign, the legal guardian needs to sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery. Please call us at 205/345-5500 if consent needs to be obtained prior to the date of service.
For Admission
Please bring the patient’s recent health history and medication information. Be certain to follow the food and drink rules in the Before My Surgery section.
Personal Attendant
As with other patients, special needs patients require a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult to remain at the center from admission through recovery. A personal attendant will be required to stay with the patient for 24 hours after discharge.