Your child’s preadmission appointment is an important step in their cardiac surgery journey. The appointment will usually be booked 1 to 7 days before their surgery - we will contact you by phone to advise you of the date.

The preadmission clinic is held to ensure a smooth transition through your child’s admission, treatment, discharge and follow-up care. The appointment allows the cardiac team to assess your child’s health status in preparation for their procedure, help you and your child prepare for their 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 operation, please tell their cardiac care team. The surgery 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)
  • 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 the 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 surgery (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 surgery (washing, hygiene)
  • fasting (no eating or drinking) before surgery
  • surgical consent
  • medications (some may need to be stopped before admission)
  • discharge education
  • information about the hospital and its facilities.
  • Educational resources and support services/tools.

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:

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: FS059. 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.

Last updated: January 2024