DS1 Needs a day surgical procedure - Anyone had good or bad experience of paedriatric units in West London

[RedSand]

DS1 has been referred for day surgery but he's nervous and its his first time in hospital since being born. I'm keen to make sure his experience is as good as possible so if anyone has experience of paedriatric units in hospitals in the west london area and were particularly impressed can you please let me know - I don't know which hospital to choose. Many thanks.

[Blu]

No experience of W London hospitals, but loads of experience in the children's day surgery unti at King's.

In general, I would plump for a taching hospital over a small regional hospital, if possible.

Day Surgery Units are pretty 'conveyor belt' like as they are for small, quick, straightforward procedures which should not need much after care. But IME staff are always very good at dealing with children, and parents, and it is never as bad as you imagine.

They usually operate in order of age - youngest first - unless there are other factors to consider.

DS has had 9 GAs - your DS will sit on your lap while they anaesthetise him, and it is very quick.

I would choose a teaching hospital which is easy to get to and from (you may need to be there v early in the morning).

[hatchypom]

My DD had surgery at St Georges as well as a couple of GA's. Good hospital from a surgical perspective (and its a teaching hospita). But we couldn't wait to get out of there after 1 night - too hot, too noisy and she (18mths) was on a ward with teenagers, so no chance of a good night's sleep.

[RedSand]

Thanks for the responses. I'm checking out the West Middlesex Childrens Services - they don't seem to call it paedriatrics. They are linked to GOSH and their childrens unit seems to cover all bases according to its website. Anyone have experience of West Middlesex's childrens unit?

[ChickenInABasket]

DS had his tongue tie snipped at Chelsea and Westminster, the Dr was brilliant - explained exactly what was going on and we were in and out in minutes as he had it done without GA.

DS has been to the Paediatric A&E at Central Middlesex Hospital(Acton) many times (!) and stayed overnight in the children's ward for observation and oxygen/ steroid treatment on 2 occasions. He's always had brilliant care there, seen quickly, lots of staff, all very kind. The ward is nice too - lots of space, beds for parents, toys and an outside play area if the kids are up to it. It's a small hospital, far less busy than the big London teaching hospitals, so maybe that's why it feels so "friendly" ?

Hope DS's surgery goes ok.