Cardiac catheterisation preadmission

Your child’s preadmission appointment helps ensure a smooth transition through your child’s cardiac catheterisation admission, treatment and discharge.

The appointment will usually be booked 1 to 7 days before their procedure - we will contact you by phone to advise you of the date.

The appointment allows the cardiac team to assess your child’s health status in preparation for the procedure, help you and your child prepare for the admission, and for you (and your child) to ask any questions you may have.

It’s important to have an age-appropriate discussion with your child about their procedure and the preadmission clinic before the day so they understand that they are going to hospital, what is going to happen and that they may have a series of tests.

Important:  Cardiac procedures can only be carried out when your child is at their healthiest as it is not safe for them to have anaesthesia or surgery if they are sick. If your child is sick with a cold or other infection in the month before their procedure, please tell their cardiac care team. The procedure may have to be rescheduled until your child is well.

What to bring

• Your child’s current medication and dosage information.
• Any recent test results not performed at the Queensland Children’s Hospital
• Recent letters from medical professionals your child sees outside of the Queensland Children’s Hospital
• Letter of oral health clearance from your child’s dentist (if required). Learn more about congenital heart disease and dental health.
• Your child’s X-ray films (if specifically requested).

We recommend two adults attend the preadmission clinic with your child if possible. A lot of information is provided at the meeting and if two adults are present, it supports better understanding. An extra pair of hands to supervise the patient and siblings (if present) is also helpful. You may also wish to consider bringing siblings to support your child.

Remember to bring snacks, drinks, toys, books, nappies and anything else you may need for your child (and other family members) on the day.

What to expect

The preadmission appointment can take several hours as your child may see a range of health professionals and have any medical tests needed before the procedure (for example, blood tests, blood pressure and oxygen saturation measurements, X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram).

A general health assessment of your child will also be done to ensure they are well and ready for the procedure.

Your child’s cardiac care coordinator will discuss the surgical procedure and process and provide information about your child’s hospital admission to help you prepare your child. This may cover topics including:

• preparing your child for the procedure (washing, hygiene)
• fasting (no eating or drinking) before the procedure
• procedural consent
• medications (some may need to be stopped before admission)
• discharge education
• information about the hospital and its facilities.

Your child may also see a range of health professionals at the clinic including a physiotherapist, social worker, anaesthetist, occupational therapist, dietitian and doctor.

More information

To learn more about the Queensland Children’s Hospital:

• Visit our website – Going to hospital
• watch our My Trip To Hospital videos.

Contact us

Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service
Queensland Children’s Hospital

For general enquiries
Surgical cardiac care coordinators
Phone: 07 3068 2597

For appointments
Cardiothoracic surgical administration officers
Phone: 07 3068 5775

For surgery date confirmations
Cardiac booking officer
Phone: 07 3068 4306

Developed by Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS088. Reviewed: January 2024.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.