The staff at the Children's Hospital of Illinois recognizes the importance of children and their families being together during their hospitalization. The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is where your child's recovery begins and where you can be of great help in comforting them. Therefore, it is offered, but not required, that a parent or legal guardian may be with their child while in the PACU. In order to be part of this program, your child must be 12 years of age or younger.
After Your Child Goes Into Surgery...
When you child is in surgery, you will wait in the surgery waiting area on the first floor. Be sure that you have something to eat or drink to help take care of yourself. You should also be free from illness, such as colds or flu, before going into the PACU. When surgery is over, the doctor may speak with you in this area. A staff person from surgery will come to get you when your child is stable.
Once in the PACU
- Wash your hands before going to your child
- Stay at your child's bedside
- Allow your child to rest as much as possible
- Respect the privacy of other patients
- Keep a clean environment
- Do not bring any items such as gifts or cameras into the PACU
- Please turn off cellular phones and pagers (they are distracting to others and may interfere with medical equipment)
- If at any point you feel uncomfortable or ill, please inform your child's nurse immediately
What to Expect...
- The PACU is a large, open area and your child will be in the pediatric area
- Your child will be waking up from anesthesia, so they will be monitored closely
- He or she may be connected to monitors
- The nurse will monitor your child's breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and intravenous (IV) fluids
Before your child can leave the PACU, he/she must have...
- Normal body temperature
- Stable vital signs
- Pain and nausea under control
During recovery from surgery, your child's comfort and safety are most important. Please respect our guidelines and we will do our best to meet your needs. There are times when the PACU gets very busy. At these times, you may have to wait a little longer to come in. We hope that you can be patient and understanding if this happens.