Day Case Surgery
The Alder Hey Day-case Unit is based on K1. It offers a high standard of pre-operative care for children aged between 3 months and 18 years, who require surgery that can be performed on a day case basis. The ward accommodates around 35 children per day.
The types of surgery that our patients are admitted for varies greatly. We work with over 35 Consultants and specialities such as general paediatric surgery, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ENT, gastroenterology, Urology, ophthalmology and oral surgery.
The majority of patients come into the ward have their procedure and go home the same day. However, on some occasions although the procedure takes place during the day, the post operative care and discharge period can last from one hour to an overnight stay, based on the needs of the individual and in order to protect patient safety.
At you child’s outpatient appointment, the Consultant may advise that your child requires a surgical procedure as a ‘Day Case’. You will then be given a date for your child’s surgery and the opportunity to see a fully qualified Nurse with further qualifications in clinical examination prior to your operation date.
At this point the nurse will do a full clinical examination and refer for any further investigations needed prior to surgery such as; blood tests, X-rays and MRSA Swabs.
The Nurse will explain what will happen on admission and through the day so that your child will be prepared for their forthcoming surgery with interest and not fear. We will also give you written information to take home and read over.
It is important that we ensure your child is fully prepared and fit for surgery to avoid any delays or cancellations on the day of admission. It is our aim to make the hospital experience very clear so that children and Parents or Carers approach the ward without anxieties.
If your child has recently suffered from an infection such as Chicken Pox, it is important that you inform us of this, as it may be that he/she is unfit to undergo a general anaesthetic.
If there is anything you feel we should know before meeting your child or anything that might help with your Child’s experience of hospital, please feel free to call us beforehand and we will do everything we can to help. Our pre-admission service is currently still being developed but the direct line for the pre-assessment clinic is 0151 252 5377.
The K1 Club
There is an optional club every patient is welcome to attend. It is a fun way for you and your child to discover what will happen on the day they are admitted. The club is run by our Play specialist who will present the information in a play-orientated way. Nursing staff are also available should you have any medical enquiries.
On the Day of Surgery
On admittance, a member of our nursing staff will explain the day ahead, obtain any necessary observations and prepare your child for surgery. You will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss any questions or concerns with both the surgical and anaesthetic teams who will care for your child. We will need a signed consent form from the person who has parental responsibility for your child on the day of admission. Without this the operation will not go ahead.
You are more than welcome to bring toys that make your child feel more comfortable. It is possible for you to accompany your child into the anaesthetic room and remain with them until they are asleep, and collect your child from recovery after their surgery. After surgery your child will be cared for on the same ward and will stay there for at least one hour depending on the procedure.
Please do not bring more than two accompanying adults or siblings due to space restrictions.
Before discharge your child will be given something to eat and drink. Our Nursing staff will make sure they are fully recovered and you receive all the necessary information, medication and equipment before being discharged.
Please arrange appropriate transport home (Not Bus or Train). We are unable to provide transport for you.
Ensure you have pain relief medication at home Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
If you have and questions or concerns please contact the K1 ward on 0151 252 5557.
Links - Alder Hey are not reponsible for information given out on external links.
My child is in pain
Anaesthetic Information for Children and Young People - RCOA
BBC - My child needs an Opeartion
