Wizard Ward

Wizard Ward is situated on level 3 (301) in the new building at Broomfield Hospital. We are a 10 bedded children's day surgical ward. We cater for most specialities general surgery, ENT, eyes, urology, plastic and oral surgery.

Should your child become ill and unable to attend their appointment please let us know as early as possible using the appropriate telephone number below:

General Surgery/ Urology                      (01245) 514645
Oral                                                    (01245) 513102
Eyes                                                   (01245) 514767
Pre-Assessment Clinic                         (01245) 515032

We hope your child’s stay on the unit will be a positive experience and we will always welcome your views and suggestions.

Help us keep germs at bay, please ensure you and your child make use of the alcohol hand gel each time you enter and exit the ward.

Preparation for admission

The following  instructions should be followed  for children having a general anaesthetic:

For morning admissions, children should not eat after 02:30am but may drink clear fluid until 06:30am

For afternoon admission, children should not eat after 07:30am but may drink clear fluid until 11:30am

Babies may be breast fed until 4 hours prior to admission

Note: Clear fluid is water or dilutable squash only

No fresh juice, milk, carbonated drinks or chewing gum allowed

Please ensure you bath/shower your child’s hair and body with antibacterial soap for at least 5 days prior to the day of surgery.

For older children/teenagers, please do not shave your operation site prior to surgery as this increases the risk of infection and your operation may be cancelled.  If you routinely wax/shave this area, stop 5 days before the procedure.

No make-up, nail varnish or jewellery to be worn please.

It is advisable that 2 adults accompany your child home from the unit after their operation. You should not travel home on public transport.

Children having a Local Anaesthetic
Please check with you nurse prior to admission regarding fasting.

Pre-Assessment

The Pre-Assessment appointment before your child’s surgery provides you as a family the opportunity to meet with the Nurse who will look after you, whilst allowing the Nurse to assess your child’s health for anaesthetic and ensure they are prepared for admission.

We strongly recommend honesty when explaining the hospital experience to your child.  Children who are well prepared find the experience less traumatic.  The Pre-Assessment Children’s Nurse will discuss with you how best to prepare your child.

Please ensure you have your child’s usual pain medicine at home for your use after the procedure.  In most instances we would recommend

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen available in syrup or tablets from supermarkets and chemists.  

What will happen on the day?

Please bring the following items with you:

Any medicines or inhalers your child has been using

A clean pair of cotton pyjamas or cotton nightdress (dressing gown / slippers optional)

Favourite toy/comforter (iPods, DS, PSP ect. at own risk)

Own bottles/beakers (you will need to supply own formula milk if using, however cows milk is readily available)

Car parking     

You may purchase a reduced cost ticket from the cashier’s office near the reception desk in the atrium of the new building.  For those patients arriving for morning admission, you may settle your child on the unit before purchasing your ticket if these offices are closed when you arrive. Please leave a note in your car to this effect.

 Admission

When you arrive you will need to book in at Day Stay Unit reception.  You will be escorted onto the ward where you will meet the Children’s Nurses who will prepare your child for the operation.

At least one parent must stay with the child throughout their stay.  You may bring your own refreshments.  Tea and coffee are available on the ward (donations welcome).  Consume hot drinks in the designated area only.

The Nurse will record temperature and pulse rate and for older children their blood pressure.   “Magic cream” (local anaesthetic gel) is applied to the backs of both hands, and a single dose of paracetamol may be given.

The Surgeon and Anaesthetist will see your child prior to the operation.  A parent/legal guardian will need to sign a consent form if not already done so.  The surgeon may mark the operation site.

Operation

Your child will be required to change into their clean night wear or theatre gown if preferred, before the operation.  Only one parent is allowed into the anaesthetic room whilst your child goes to sleep.  In most instances the Children’s Nurse will accompany you both and provide distraction for your child and support for the parent.

Recovery

Immediately following the procedure, your child will be taken to a recovery room until wakeful enough to be brought back to the ward.

Once back on the ward your child may be offered a drink straight away, or they may continue to sleep if too drowsy.  Each child is treated individually according to their age and needs.

Toast and biscuits are offered to your child.  Alternatively you may bring your own food with you.  For children having dental procedures there is jelly and ice-cream or yoghurt.  The Children’s Nurse will be able to discuss any dietary issues with you at your Pre-Assessment visit.

What happens if an overnight stay is need?

In most instances the need for a child to stay overnight is established at pre-assessment and booked accordingly for Phoenix ward. However, occasionally after surgery children may need an additonal period of observation. We then arrange for your child to be transferred to Phoenix Ward on level 1. One parent will be able to sleep overnight next to their child.

Discharge and phone contact

In most cases after a minimum of 1½ hours if your child is comfortable, eating/drinking and their wound is okay your Nurse will give you after care instructions both verbal and written.

Discharge information following General Anaesthetic

For 48 hours after your child’s operation:
Do not let your child ride a bicycle
Your child may still feel sleepy/uncoordinated, you are advised to go    straight home and allow them to sleep off the affects of the anaesthetic.

They may feel sick/vomit and providing this is not persistent is quite normal.
Should they feel dizzy or light headed then you should lie them down with their feet raised higher than their head until the feeling disappears.  They should sit back up slowly.

It is important you give your child regular painkillers according to instructions on the label, to ensure they have a comfortable recovery.

Once home if you have concerns you may call the ward for advice, or the emergency mobile if outside ward hours.

We provide both written and verbal information at discharge, and phone  contact numbers for use following discharge.  We aim to follow up your admission with a post operative phone call within 48 hours.

Seek Medical Advice if your child experiences:

Increasing redness/unexpected swelling or discharge from the wound

Bleeding

Fever

Unresolved nausea or vomiting

Uncontrolled pain