Pre-surgical program
Child Life services are available to help prepare your
child for what to expectprior to and on the day of his/her procedure.
Preparation can help familiarize you and your family with the hospital
experience and assist with feeling as comfortable as possible before, during and after a procedure.
To register for classes, call Lincoln Park at 773.880.4114. Classes can be taken here regardless of the
location your child's appointment.
The pre-surgical program is a very important, educational and fun program
designed to prepare your child (three years of age and older) as well as his/her
brothers and sisters for the surgical experience. It can help:
- Lessen your child's (and family's) worries and fears
- Increase your child's confidence and trust in
doctors, nurses and feel comfortable in a hospital environment
- Reduce stress before and after surgery
During the program you and your child will have the opportunity to
go into an operating room and walk through the surgical areas he/she will be in,
touch and play with real medical equipment, dress up in surgical clothes, and
visit the recovery room. Children take part in medical play while adults discuss
pre-surgical concerns with a nurse. This program has been operational for over
10 years and is regarded by participating parents as an outstanding method of
preparing for surgical procedures.
Classes take place every Saturday (except holiday weekends) from
9:45 a.m. to noon on the second floor of the hospital (Lincoln Park). If you
cannot attend the Saturday program, an individual program can be arranged for
your child and family.
In addition to the pre-surgical class, Child
Life support can be provided on the morning of your child's surgery and
throughout his/her stay. Contact a Child Life specialist at
773.880.3761 to discuss your needs.
For surgeries scheduled at Westchester, a DVD orienting
you to the facility andpreparing you for what to expect is available for you to
view at home with your family. The program is available by calling
708.836.4800
or you can receive it during your
pre-operative visit.