Children
Please take time to read this important information carefully. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please call the Pediatric Anesthesia Information Line at 978-463-1196 and an anesthesiologist will return your call within two business days.
Preoperative Testing and Evaluation
You and your child will be interviewed by a preoperative nurse who will call or schedule an appointment with you in order to gather information regarding your child’s health and medical history. The preoperative nurse works with the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and nurses who will care for your child during the surgical procedure, and will share this information with them. The nurse will also schedule any required medical tests ordered for your child.
During the interview you will receive instructions for what your child is allowed to eat and drink on the night before and the day of the procedure. It is essential that you follow these instructions precisely so that the surgery can proceed as scheduled.
Anna Jaques offers comprehensive pediatric anesthetic and surgical care. Over 2,000 pediatric surgical procedures were performed at Anna Jaques Hospital in the last three years, with more than a third involving children 12 years old or younger.
If your child is scheduled to have anesthesia for a surgical procedure at Anna Jaques Hospital, here is important information that will help you and your child properly prepare for the experience.
Kids, Learn more about your trip to Anna Jaques Hospital
Pediatric Surgical Care at Anna Jaques Hospital includes:
- A pre-operative Board certified anesthesia evaluation
- A pre-operative phone call by a pediatric educated registered nurse
- An optional pre-operative tour
- A designated phone number for your anesthesia questions
- An Anna Jaques Hospital teddy bear
- A TV and DVD player for pediatric friendly entertainment
- Free parking
- A registered nurse to help you navigate your child’s care
- A surgical tracking monitor so you can follow your child’s surgical progress
- A beeper to notify you of your child’s status
- A post-discharge phone call by a registered nurse
Administration of Anesthesia
During the procedure your child will be cared for by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who both have experience in pediatric anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will meet with you on the day of surgery. This is an opportunity to discuss the anesthetic plan, voice concerns, and ask questions about your child’s care during the surgical procedure. At this time you can also discuss with the anesthesiologist whether it may be beneficial for you to be in the operating room as your child goes off to sleep. The anesthesia team will care for your child continually to ensure safety and comfort throughout the experience.
In many cases children are awake very quickly after the surgical procedure is over. Immediately after surgery your child will be cared for in a recovery area where pediatric educated nurses will ensure that the child has a smooth transition from sleep to wakefulness. We encourage parents to stay with their children in the recovery room once their child wakes up.
Our goal is to deliver excellent, high quality care to your child in a caring community hospital. Our expert staff uses the latest technological advances to ensure that your child’s experience with Anna Jaques Hospital is a very positive one.
The creation of these informative pages and Pediatric video were made possible by a Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank grant.