Coming into hospital for children and young people

Most of our treatments for children and young people are carried out at Spire Shawfair Park as day-case procedures. At Spire Murrayfield we can also provide surgical treatments for aged 13 and over that require an overnight stay.

Any child coming into hospital will be booked into a pre-operation clinic with the Children and Young People's nurse. (In certain circumstances this may be carried out over the phone.)

During the pre-operation clinic assessment:

• You can meet some of the staff who’ll be looking after your child
• Your child’s weight, height, temperature, pulse and blood pressure may be measured
• Swabs for MRSA will be taken to help protect them against certain infections if they’ve been in hospital in the last 12 months
• It’s policy to perform a pregnancy test for teenage girls over the age of 12 years – we understand this can be a sensitive subject to talk about, but it’s for our patients’ safety

You’ll be given an information pack about your child’s treatment and aftercare to help you and your child prepare. If you have any questions or special requirements, our staff will be happy to help you.

If you're child's treatment is being carried out at Spire Shawfair Park, they will be discharged the same day. If your child is staying overnight at Spire Murrayfield, they'll have their own private en-suite room. We’re happy to arrange for a parent or guardian to stay overnight in their room if you’d like. Your child will be looked after by nurses who have children and young people competences and training.

Before the operation, your child's consultant surgeon and consultant anaesthetist will explain what’s going to happen during and after the procedure, and you’ll be asked to sign a form consenting to the operation.

If your child is having a general anaesthetic, you can accompany your child to the anaesthetic room until they fall asleep. All of the staff who’ll be looking after your child in the operating theatre and recovery area have also received additional training in caring for children.

When your child is ready to leave, their nurse will explain any aspects of care you’ll need to help with while at home – such as dressing changes or helping with mobility. Follow-up calls will be made a few days after discharge to offer support and any further advice or instructions if required.

General hospital number: 0131 341 5062