Your child’s clinic visit – What to expect
At Evolve, we know kids are smart. We also know it takes effort to gain a child’s trust. Helping your child feel at home at Evolve is our main priority.
Depending on their problem, your child might be lucky enough to drive the controls of Evolve’s super blast-off rocket chair, help us operate our special-sucking Hoover Hose, have their bionic hearing power checked, or even see what the inside of their nose looks like on TV using our bendy spy telescope!
We know clinic visits can be stressful – particularly with a few siblings in tow. But to make the whole family feel at home, you’ll find the Evolve clinic features a friendly team, spill-proof floors, regularly sanitized (and break-proof!) toys and complimentary Wifi… In case a need for ‘Emergency Screentime’ arises.
From the moment you enter to the moment you leave, we hope you find that at Evolve, achieving good health is interesting, easy and fun – for all our kids, from two to ninety-two!
Your child’s surgery – What to expect
On the day: On the morning of your child’s surgery, you will follow the fasting instructions you have been given. Depending on the time of operation, these will either have your child ‘Nil By Mouth’ from midnight, or may allow them sips of clear fluid up to a certain time in the morning. You and your child will present to the hospital area listed in your paperwork for check in – you’ll answer some questions and have some basic health checks. Most hospitals allow children to wear their own pyjamas, but sometimes a gown will be provided. A favourite cuddly toy can usually come along for the ride and as there will be some waiting involved, it’s a good idea to bring an activity, such as a book, iPAD or tablet, for kids to occupy themselves. If you’re staying overnight, bring spare pyjamas, clothes for leaving, toiletries and your child’s sleep routine items.
Time to go: In elective cases, your child’s support person (usually Mum, Dad or carer) comes along with them to the anaesthetic room, where you’ll meet more of our team. It’s normal for children to be nervous about new experiences – they will look to you for a clue as to how they should be feeling. We know from experience that kids whose carers keep it cheerful and upbeat (on the surface at least!) are happier going to sleep, and wake up more smoothly… Of course it’s normal for you to be nervous too (shedding some tears after your child goes to sleep is the rule, rather than the exception!) but our caring team will be there to support you and guide you back to the waiting area.
Going to sleep: Small children usually drift off to sleep using a mask. Bigger children occasionally need a small needle to go to sleep safely. To make this comfortable, we use a numbing jelly on the skin before hand.
General anaesthetics are extremely safe. Like all things in life, there are some risks, and you will discuss these with your anaesthetist on the day. In Australia, serious risks exceptionally rare – and comparable to other risky things we do everyday, like driving in a car. Our surgeons have world-class training and expertise – as well as families of our own. Your child’s comfort and safety is our utmost priority. While they are in our hands, we will treat them like our own – right up until we return them to yours.
Better Days. Better Nights. Better Lives.