What to expect, before and after surgery
[Placeholder intro] General information to help you or your child prepare for surgery and recover well afterwards. Nothing on this page replaces the specific instructions your surgeon or nurse gives you for your own procedure.
Your surgery, step by step
[Placeholder — general structure only. Exact wording needs review and approval by Dr. Michael [Surname] before publication.]
On the day of surgery
[Placeholder] When to arrive, fasting instructions, what to bring, and what happens when you're admitted.
Hospital address, map & parkingAfter your surgery
[Placeholder] What recovery usually looks like in the first few days, and how activity gradually returns to normal.
Managing your pain
[Placeholder] The types of pain relief typically used, and simple comfort measures alongside medication.
If you have a problem
[Placeholder] Signs to watch for after surgery, and exactly who to contact — including out of hours.
If you're seriously unwell or concerned, don't wait for a callback. Call us on (02) 9436 3593, or in an emergency call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Supporting your child through surgery
[Placeholder — general structure only, informed by common paediatric surgery guidance. Exact wording needs review and approval by Dr. Michael [Surname] before publication.]
Preparing your child
[Placeholder] Simple, honest, age-appropriate ways to talk with your child about their visit — including social stories and other tools some families find helpful.
On the day
[Placeholder] What to bring for your child (a comfort toy or blanket), and what usually happens from arrival to going into theatre.
Waking up: what to expect
[Placeholder] It's common and normal for children to wake up upset, teary or confused as the anaesthetic wears off — this is short-lived and the recovery team is experienced in helping them settle. It doesn't mean anything has gone wrong.
Fluids, feeding & comfort at home
[Placeholder] Gentle guidance on drinking, eating and rest in the first few days, and comfort measures that can help.
If you're worried about your child, don't wait. Call us on (02) 9436 3593, or in an emergency call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Guides we're preparing
[Placeholder] These resources are planned but not yet written or clinically approved — shown here to illustrate the kind of practical, family-friendly material we intend to offer alongside this page.
A social story: my visit to have surgery
A simple, picture-led walkthrough of what happens, written for children.
Pain relief & comfort at home
Includes guidance on different medication forms, such as liquid medicine or suppositories, for children who have trouble swallowing tablets.
Fluids & feeding after surgery
Practical tips for encouraging your child to drink and eat in the first few days.
Coping with big feelings after anaesthesia
Why some children feel scared or upset waking up, and how parents can help them settle.
Getting ready: a countdown checklist
A simple checklist for the days before surgery, from fasting reminders to packing a bag.
Questions to ask before the day
A prompt list to help you raise anything you're unsure about ahead of time.
Before any of this is published: every guide needs clinically-approved wording from Dr. Michael [Surname], a decision on format (web page vs. downloadable PDF), and — for anything mentioning medication — explicit sign-off rather than general web copy.