Recovery and Discharge
Children wake from anesthesia at different rates, so recovery times vary.
Immediately after surgery, children are moved to the Recovery/Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The PACU is organized to provide close observation and intensive monitoring of children as they emerge from anesthesia. During the stay in the PACU, both parents may be asked to be with their child. Parental visits in the PACU are determined by the child’s emotional needs and medical stability. During emergency situations, visitors are not permitted in the PACU.
Following the PACU recovery, children are transported to the Same Day Surgery area where two visitors are allowed for each child. When your child is ready to be discharged, the Same Day Surgery nurse will speak with you and provide instructions for your child’s at-home care. Most children need to be awake, alert and drinking some fluids before going home.
Occasionally, a surgeon will admit a Same Day Surgery patient to the hospital. In such cases, parents will accompany their child to the assigned hospital room. Admission for an overnight or longer stay is based on the child’s progress, the type of procedure and the physician’s evaluation as to whether a longer observation would benefit the child.
One parent may stay in the room with the child overnight, or we can help you secure local hotel accommodations.
For assistance with overnight accommodations for parents, call our Information Desk at 314.454.2615. Information Desk personnel also can assist with any questions or suggestions you may have about hospital services.
The Family Resource Center, located on the third floor, can provide comprehensive information on hospital procedures and routines if your child is admitted. They also have educational materials about childhood illnesses, caring for sick or healthy children, as well as general parenting information. Call the center at 314.454.2350 to request information on your topic of interest.
KidGuide Services
A KidGuide representative is available to help you solve the complexities of medical insurance plans and agency programs. They also can help you with Medicaid, Special Health Care needs programs and other agencies.
The KidGuide Services office is open from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For assistance, call 866.227.6644 or stop by the office located in Admitting on the first floor.