At MassGeneral Hospital for Children, we know that surgery can be stressful and frightening for both you and your child. We hope this information will answer your questions, alleviate your fears, and help you plan for your child’s surgery.
Child Life Services
Phone: 617.724.5839Child life specialists use developmentally appropriate techniques using dolls, medical equipment, and body drawings, to help prepare you and your child for surgery. Child life specialists encourage your child to ask questions and voice concerns about the upcoming surgery and hospitalization to lessen stress and anxiety. They will also support your child after surgery by promoting play opportunities, diversional activities, and coping strategies. Please call if you would like to take a tour of the pediatric units including the pre-operative area (where you arrive the day of surgery) and the inpatient unit (where parents and children will stay overnight).
Anesthesia
The anesthesiologist is the doctor who will medicate your child to make him sleep during the operation. He or she will discuss with you the best way for your child to receive the medication based on their age and any medical conditions. It’s important for us to know all of your child’s medical problems and whether any family members have had problems with anesthesia. You will meet the anesthesiologist if you are scheduled for preadmission testing or on the day of surgery. We encourage you to share any questions or concerns that you may have about your child receiving anesthesia; your surgeon’s office can put you in touch with the anesthesia team.Helpful Resources
You may find the following resources from MassGeneral Hospital for Children helpful in answering the most commonly asked questions about surgery and hospitalization: If you would like additional information on your child’s medical condition, we encourage you to contact the Blum Patient and Family Learning Center. You may also find the following websites helpful: MedlinePlus, WebMD, American Academy of Pediatrics. If you have additional questions about your child’s surgery, we encourage you to contact your surgeon’s office.Locating Housing
There are a variety of housing options for patients and their families at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. The Social Work department maintains a list of hotel accommodations near the hospital.Caring for Siblings
Phone: 617.724.7100The MGH Backup Child Care Center was established to help families who need temporary care. If you need someone to care for siblings while your child is hospitalized, please call the center to arrange for child care at least twenty-four hours in advance.
International Patient Center
Phone: 617.726.2787The International Patient Center offers services to international patients to help with their medical and personal needs during hospitalization.
Interpreter Services
Phone: 617.726.6966Medical interpreters are available to help with communication between non-English speaking patients/families and MGHfC.
Financial Assistance
Phone: 617.726.2171The Patient Financial Service Department has counselors who are available to assist you in applying for state funded programs such as MassHealth as well as different Free Care programs.
Blood Donation Center
Phone: 617.726.8177Contact the Blood Donation Center if you are interested in donating blood products that may be used in the event that your child needs a transfusion. Please call at least one week before the date of your child’s surgery to schedule an appointment to donate blood.
Arrival Time for Surgery
You will receive a phone call from your surgeon’s office about special eating restrictions and arrival time. If you have not received a phone call two days before your child’s surgery, please call your surgeon’s office.Illness
If your child has a fever of 100.4 or greater, has a runny nose, cough, wheezing, or a rash on or near the site where the surgeon will be operating, the surgeon may need to cancel the surgery. Please call your surgeon’s office if your child has any of these symptoms within one week before the date of surgery; it may need to be rescheduled.What to Bring
- A list of medications including the doses (check with your surgeon about taking medications the morning of surgery)
- Pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups, or unique formulas that will make it easier to feed your child after surgery
- Special blankets, stuffed animals
- Games or handheld video games
- Books
- Music with headphones
Day of Surgery Helpful Hints
- Wear loose clothing and remove all jewelry & body piercings
- Do not wear contact lenses (please bring your glasses)
- Children under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Only parents are allowed to travel with the child to the operating room. If possible, young siblings should not be present on the day of surgery
Do not bring
Please do not bring valuables, jewelry, credit cards, or large amounts of cash to the hospital. There are several ATMs available throughout the hospital.Facilities
Parents will have the use of a refrigerator, microwave, laundry washer/dryer on the inpatient pediatric units. Food and drinks may be purchased at our two cafeterias and at local restaurants that provide take-out and delivery service. A phone number is assigned to your child’s room and you will have access to a laptop computer and the internet.Visiting Hours
Parents may be with their child throughout their hospital stay at MGHfC. Extended family and friends are encouraged to visit during the daytime or early evening hours. One parent may sleep at the child’s bedside and both may use the child’s bathroom for showering. If your child is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), there are sleep rooms available for your family to use.We want you to know this information has been provided to guide you in finding answers to the most commonly asked questions. MassGeneral Hospital for Children is committed to a family-centered approach to your child’s care. You are a respected and valued member of your child’s healthcare team. Our goal is to support you and your child throughout your hospitalization at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
