VIHA (South Island) Paediatric Surgical and Acute Interventional Medicine
"Providing care closer to home with a high standard of quality surgical care and acute interventional medicine for children."
We have highly skilled Paediatric Surgical, Anaesthesia and Acute Interventional Medicine sub-specialists dedicated to providing excellent service for the south end of Vancouver Island and a high level of care for all of Vancouver Island.
The hospital experience can be positive for children if they know what to expect. Children who are aware of what they will see and do are generally less anxious than children who have no information. Regardless of age, most children want to know what will happen to them in hospital, whether they will be harmed, if you will be with them, an when they will be going home.
It is normal for children to have fears about going to the hospital. Try not to ignore these fears. Respond to them with lots of hugs and comforting. You may not know all the answers, but your child will recognize and appreciate your attempts to be honest and supportive with them. Your involvement in your child's hospital care will help him/her feel that life is safe and normal.
Anxiety can be reduced by preparation. Everyones needs vary. The following information is intended as a general guide.
2-3 years of age 2-3 days in advance
4-7 years of age 4-7 days in advance
7 years and up 1 or 2 weeks in advance
If your child has had a previous traumatic experience with surgery, or for some reason has high levels of anxiety, you may want more support on how to handle preparation. Please contact a Child Life Specialist (see contact info at right) prior to admission.
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1. Talk honestly with your child about what will happen. Because we want to protect our children from painful, unpleasant things, we sometimes hide the truth and cover up with cheeriness. This is not wise. Your child must be able to rely on what you say. Answer questions and listen to the child's concerns. If you don't have the information, telephone the hospital or doctor to find out.
2. Reassure your child that the operation or procedure is not the result of having done something bad or silly. Young children sometimes think an operation is punishment.
3. Read books with your child about operations. You can borrow books from your local library or the Family Resource Centre at the Victoria General Hospital.
4. Give your child an opportunity to play hospital or operation by giving him/her some bandages, tongue depressors, paper masks, box for a doll's bed etc. This helps the child express feelings and understand what will happen.
5. Help your child choose a special toy or security object (e.g. teddy or blanket) to bring to the hospital on the day.
6. Rehearse distraction or coping strategies, to help your child manage the difficult moments. Tell the staff what rhymes or techniques your child plans to use so that they can support him/her.
You will be reunited with your child when she/he is awake.
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