Information for patients being seen and treated within one day.

Preparing for your child's appointment

What should I do if we cannot attend the appointment?

Please let us know by telephoning the number shown on your appointment letter. Your appointment can then be rearranged and your original date can be given to someone else.

What if I need help with interpreting?

Interpreters are available. To arrange an interpreter please call the number on your appointment letter before your appointment or call 0114 271 7594.

How do we get there?

Our day care department is situated in the Sheffield Children's Hospital.  Use our maps to find your way to the hospital.

Head to main reception and ask for directions to the daycare unit. Some day adminssions take place on our other wards, so bring your letter with you so that you can ask reception about your appointment.

What if I have questions?

If your child needs to visit hospital you or your child might have some questions. Write down any questions you may have and bring them with you to discuss with your doctor or nurse at your appointment.

My child has special needs - how can you help us prepare?

We offer a wide variety of resources to assist in making your child’s stay as comfortable and straight forward as possible.

Our play specialist, Lisa and Judith, our consultant anaesthetist have devised a WIDGIT scheme to be used on the ward. WIDGIT is a series of symbols which can be used to plan your child’s journey through daycare, giving them some control and reducing a lot of the stress caused by their visit.

We also have a home from home room, designed to reduce any stress caused by the visit. It has a sofa, TV with DVD, and other activities. 

On the day of the appointment

Can my child eat or drink before the appointment?

Most surgery and some other procedures require your child to have nothing to eat or drink for some hours before the time of the operation. The exact details for your child are on the admission letter sent to you prior to the appointment.

Who needs to be there with my child?

A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Whilst you are on daycare we ask that only TWO adults accompany the child and that NO other children attend, you may have to find alternative arrangements for any other children you have. 

What should we bring on the day?

• Appointment letter
• Medications
• Personal child health record (for local children) 'Born in Sheffield' books

You can also bring

• Books/comics
• Toys
• School work
• A change or clothes/pyjamas

Try not to bring valuables. The trust cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage of valuables.

Also we ask that you do not eat and drink whilst in the waiting area, as children are starved for theatre and this would be unfair to them. 

What time should we get there?

Please allow time for travel and remember parking is very limited.  The timings are included on your appointment letter.

Where do we go?

Head to main reception and ask for directions to the day care department. Some day adminssions take place on our other wards, so bring your letter with you so that you can ask reception about your appointment.

How long will we have to wait?

Usually you will be given an approximate time. Times can however change if emergency cases need to be done or an earlier case takes longer than expected. 

What happens at the appointment?

What happens when we arrive at daycare?

You will be met by a member of staff who may take a brief history and carry out some observations on your child, such as weight, temperature, pulse etc. 

You and your child will be able to wait in the waiting and play area until your appointment. Some children are not able to eat while waiting for an operation. If you need to feed your child, please ask a member of staff for advice on this.

Depending on what is being done, you may be with us for between 4-8 hours.

What if my child is here for a blood test or something that does not need an anaesthetic?

If your child is having a blood test or needing a cannula for medication or prior to surgery then local anaesthetic cream will be applied to your child, if necessary at this time.

Your test will be carried out as soon as possible but you may have to wait a short time.

If your child is having a procedure that needs an anaesthetic or sedation.

Can patients eat or drink before the procedure?

It is important that your child has nothing to eat or drink for some hours before the procedure. The exact details for your child are on your child's appointment letter.

Do I have to sign anything?

You will have the procedure explained by a doctor, who is part of the team. You can ask any questions and will be asked to sign to say you understand and consent to this.

Who can give consent?

Consent can only be given by the parent or guardian. Unfortunately other relatives cannot give consent.

If your child is old enough to understand what is happening then they can give consent and sign next to the parent's signature.

Will I know at what time my child is having their procedure?

Usually you will be given an approximate time. Times can however change if emergency cases need to be done or an earlier case takes longer than expected.

Can I go with my child to the operating theatre?

Normally one parent can accompany each child. Once your child is asleep you return to the ward to wait for the operation to finish. Your nurse will keep you informed of how things are going.

What happens after the procedure?

Your child will awaken in our recovery area and you will be called to be with them when this happens. Your child can then return to the daycare unit to continue recovery.

Drinks and light food will be gradually resumed as the effects of the anaesthetic wear off.

Discharge will be arranged with your nurse and any follow-up instructions for care explained. 

Any medicines which need a prescription will be handed to you before you go home.

Will there be anything that my child cannot do after the daycare visit?

There may be some restrictions – these will be explained by your nurse.

What if there are problems?

Very occasionally, children take longer to recover or doctors wish to observe them overnight. If this happens we will arrange for you and your child to transfer to an overnight ward. You can choose to stay by your child's bedside if this happens.

If any problems occur once you are at home, please contact your GP or take your child to the nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

There is plenty to cater for your needs at Sheffield Children's Hospital

Play and distractions while you wait

Our daycare unit has a play specialist who is able to provide toys and games for children and young people of all ages. We have a room for teenagers on the daycare unit with games appropriate for teenagers.

Electronic game systems

Portable games systems can be used around the trust except in intensive care, the neonatal ward and theatres. The trust accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage of valuables. Please check with our play specialist before plugging any electrical items into the wall sockets.

Telephones and mobile phones

There are a number of payphones around Sheffield Children's Hospital.
Mobile phones are permitted in all areas except, intensive care, the neonatal ward and theatres. 

Shops and supplies

In the main entrance of Sheffield Children's Hospital there is a newsagents and a league of friends shop. Please check opening times on the signs on the shops.

Sheffield Children's Hospital has a restaurant near the outpatient's department.
Parkside restaurant opening times:

• Breakfast - 7.30am-11.30am
• Lunch - 12noon-3.30pm
• Tea - 4.30pm-7.30pm

There is also a small cafe in the main entrance area this is open all day from 8am till 7pm.

A number of vending machines serving drinks, snacks, hot and cold food can be found across the hospital.

Cash machines

The nearest cash machines to Sheffield Children's Hospital are located at the University of Sheffield, student union, Western Bank. Cash back is available with a debit card from the Parkside restaurant.

There are cash machines located around the Northern General Hospital site, ask at reception for information.

Feeding and nappy changing facilities

Please ask staff for assistance in directing you to a suitable facility near you. You will need to provide your own nappies and feeds for your baby.