Pre-surgical program: helping everyone prepare
To register, call 773.880.4114. Classes can be taken in Lincoln Park regardless
of the location of your child's procedure.
Led by the hospital's Child Life Services, the pre-surgical program is designed to prepare your family for the surgical experience by:
- Reducing worries, fears and stress -- before and after surgery
- Increasing confidence and trust in doctors, nurses
- Helping everyone feel more comfortable in a hospital environment
During the program, you, your child (3 years and older) and siblings can go into an operating room and walk through the surgical areas, 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.
Classes are held most Saturday mornings at the main hospital in Lincoln Park. Individual programs can also be arranged.
In addition to the pre-surgical program, Child Life specialists help families in multiple ways throughout a hospital stay.
For surgeries scheduled at Westchester, a take-home DVD is also available to help your family prepare. Call 708.836.4800 for a copy, and for more information.