Your child may be away from the ward for a while. Many parents use this time to have a break, but we ask parents to return to the ward rather than the theatre department so that Sarum staff can keep you up to date with your child's progress and let you know when they have been taken to Recovery after their operation.
Recovery is an area within the theatre department where your child will be taken to be cared for until they are awake and ready to go back to the ward. Recovery staff will contact the ward when your child is beginning to wake and may ask for you to come to the department to sit with your child until they are ready to return to the ward. Sometimes, the doctor will come to recovery to explain what has happened. It is normal for your child to be very sleepy if they have had a general anaesthetic.
The nurse caring for your child will come from Sarum Ward when your child is awake and escort them back to the ward. They will be able to explain what care is required in the next 24 hours and if your child needs to remain in hospital.
When your child comes back to the ward they may be sleepy and sometimes feel upset. This is normal following an anaesthetic and wears off very quickly. Your nurse will help you during this and will also check on your child frequently until they are feeling better. Your child may have a small plastic tube called a cannula in their hand, arm or foot which may be covered with a bandage. This is kept in place so that nursing staff can give medication such as antibiotics or anti-sickness medicine if needed. The nurse will also explain when your child can eat and drink again. Your child may have a drip, drainage tubes or have a dressing in place. Their nurse will show these to you and explain what they are for. Please feel free to ask any questions.
Nursing staff will regularly check that your child is not in pain using a pain score system. We use a variety of medicines to relieve pain. The nurse looking after your child will be happy to explain their medication with you.
