We would like to welcome you to UPMC Beacon Hospital Paediatric Services.
At present we offer Day Care procedures which include general surgery, urology, dentistry and ophthalmology.
Your child's safety and well being is of the utmost importance to us. UPMC Beacon Hospital hopes that by giving you the following information we will be able help you to prepare your child for their hospital admission with minimum anxiety.
If your child is ill, has any flu like symptoms or is in contact with any infectious diseases prior to surgery please contact your GP or one of the nurses at the numbers listed below as your child may need to be rescheduled for surgery.
UPMC Beacon Hospital has developed a Child Protection Policy to ensure we are committed to safeguarding children, with the welfare of the child being paramount.
How do I prepare?
Please ensure you follow the fasting guidelines for your child.
Your child may have food up to 6 hours before their admission time. Your child can also have a drink of clear fluids only (no milk) up to 3 hours prior to admission to UPMC Beacon Hospital.
You should understand for safety reasons the surgery will be postponed or cancelled if you do not follow these fasting instructions.
Discussing your child's visit to hospital, answering questions openly and honestly according to the age of your child will help alleviate their fears and anxieties (role play with the child's favourite toy is an effective method of preparation.
What to Bring?
• Nappies/nappy bags as appropriate
• Baby wipes
• Barrier cream
• Soother/comforter
• Loose clothing i.e. Tracksuit
• Bottles/Beaker
• Towel for Journey home
• A spare set of clothes
Day of your child's operation/procedure
Please arrive to the main Hospital Reception at the time given to you by the scheduling department at UPMC Beacon Hospital.
No siblings are allowed on the Day Unit for Health and Safety Reasons.
Please ensure a responsible adult will be able to look after your child for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Due to space restrictions and health and safety only 1 parent/guardian is allowed to accompany your child to and from theatre. Any accompanying adults are welcome to use the coffee shop/canteen facilities on the 2nd or 6th floor.
Please ensure you remove any nail varnish on your child before you come in (both fingers and toes).
After your Child's operation/procedure
Your child will remain in the Day Unit until fully recovered from the anaesthetic; this varies for each individual child.
Your child will be offered flat 7 up in order to slowly rehydrate. Solids are not always given as they may cause vomiting.
We advise where possible that you have an adult to sit beside your child in the car for the journey home.
Please follow any special instructions regarding dressing or removal of sutures given to you by the nurse on discharge.
Your child may return to normal activity as soon as they feel able, or as per doctor's instructions.
If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact one of the Paediatric Nurses at the numbers below.
Scheduling: 01-2938652
Day Unit: 01-2937588 or 2937586
The hospital has published a booklet especially for paediatric patients 'Lily's adventure in Beacon Hospital'. Please click below to download it.
