Day Cases (CW)
Day cases
A day case means that your child will come into hospital on the day of their operation or procedure and will be able to go home on the same day. When you arrive at the hospital, come up to the first floor, by lift or escalator. When having a day case procedure your child will be admitted to one of the following wards:
- Saturn Ward, Mercury Ward, Neptune Ward, or Jupiter Ward (Adolescent Unit)- the main day case area is Saturn Ward.
Our young patients are encouraged to spend time in the play room until they go through to the operating theatre or have their operation/procedure. In our play room, we have toys, books and activities for children of all ages. Children must be supervised at all times. Staff will introduce themselves to you and we all wear name badges which show our name and job title.
Day of admission
If your child becomes unwell and develops a temperature before their admission date, please inform us so that we can advise you. If your child’s visit is cancelled because they are unwell you will be sent another date to come in as soon as possible. Remember: you may have fasting instructions for your child. You must follow those instructions or the operation cannot proceed.
Things to bring with you
- Medication that your child is taking—give this to the nursing staff when you arrive on the ward.
- A favourite toy or comforter, or a quiet game to help distract your child during the day.
- An empty beaker or feeding bottle so that they can be given something to drink AFTER the procedure.
- Your child’s Health Record Book, i.e. the Red Book.
- The name of your GP and health visitor with their full address and contact telephone numbers. A report on a child under five is sent to the health visitor and a report on every child is sent to their GP.
- The name of your child’s school and its full postal address. A report on every child of school age is sent to the school nurse.
- If applicable your income support book. You will need this if you require financial assistance towards the cost of your travel. Money can be reclaimed from the cashiers situated on the lower ground floor between lift banks C and D, opposite the hospital restaurant.
- Loose fitting clothes for the journey home if you think your child will need them.
Valuables
Please do not bring any valuables with you. The hospital does not accept liability for any loss or damage to your personal property. If your child wears jewellery, this should be removed and left at home. Please also remove any nail polish.
Other children/relatives
Please do not bring other family members into hospital with you. We are happy to welcome parents, but there is simply no space for other family members.
Facilities & policies
Eating facilities
During the day you may want a cup of tea, a soft drink or a meal. There are a number of options. There is a restaurant on the lower ground floor of the hospital—take lift bank C, and then go right and right again. There is a coffee shop on the ground floor behind lift bank B. There are also coffee shops and restaurants along the Fulham Road.
After your child’s operation/procedure they will be able to have something to eat and drink, but please wait until you have spoken to a nurse before offering them anything.
Parking facilities
Parents of children being treated at this hospital have a special reduced rate if they wish to use the hospital car park. The car park is situated in the basement. The staff can help you to claim the reduced rate before you leave the unit.
Mobile phones
Please keep your mobile on silent and be considerate about using it in patient areas
No smoking policy
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital operates a strict no smoking policy. Please do not smoke in or around the hospital building.
Going home
The nurse and doctor caring for your child will decide when he/she can go home. This is usually about 2 hours after your child has returned to the ward. The time of discharge will vary from child to child, according to their recovery. You may be given written instructions advising you of any potential problems and who to contact if you have any additional questions once you arrive home. You will also be advised if you need to bring your child to any follow up appointments.
There is no need to force your child to eat, but do encourage them to take some liquid.
What to expect at home
Your child may feel tired for the rest of the day. That is to be expected. They may have some discomfort and/or a slight temperature. An appropriate dose of medication should help minimise pain or make him/her comfortable. Follow the instructions on the medication.
If they are more awake they should still be encouraged to occupy themselves with a quiet activity, e.g. reading or watching television.