Preparing children for a medical procedure, surgery and/or hospital stay is extremely important in helping alleviate their fears, as well as promoting the healing process by equipping them with better coping mechanisms.

Preparation Tips Include:

• Research your child’s condition and procedure process. Our online health library is a great resource for this.
• Check out web and/or publication resources. View Memorial’s suggested web resources. View Memorial’s suggested publication resources.
• Develop a list of questions for your child’s doctor in advance of any appointments with him/her.
• Explain what will happen—what to expect.
• Help your child play out their procedure with a stuffed animal or doll—e.g. getting an IV.
• Bring comfort items from home—e.g. a favorite stuffed toy or blanket.
• Participate in Memorial’s Pre-Operative Program to prepare your child for surgery.
• Learn about Memorial’s Child Life Program and contact a Child Life Specialist for support.

The Pre-Operative Program includes the following activities:

• Hands-on-teaching session using dolls and medical equipment.
• Viewing an age-appropriate video.
• Touring the pediatric unit.
• Online pediatric surgery tour (YouTube)

Watch the Pediatric Surgery Tour:

Since each Pre-Operative Program is conducted on an individual basis we are able to tailor each session to meet the specific needs of your child. During each session the certified child life specialists will familiarize you and your child with the medical process and explain whom you will meet and what your child will experience the day of the surgery.

To learn more about the program and to schedule a session, please contact our child life specialists at (719) 365-2975.