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          Surgery can be a stressful experience for children and their families.  Children are often anxious in a strange environment.  However, there are things parents can do to help prepare their children . . . and themselves.  And there are professionals here at Le Bonheur who can help. 

A Child Life Specialist is a person who is specially trained in the growth and developmental needs of children.   Call Le Bonheur's Child Life Department at (901) 287-5225. A Child Life Specialist will arrange a tour of Le Bonheur's Surgery Area for you and your family at your convenience. 

Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center’s Pre-Operative Teaching Program is an important tool which parents and hospital staff can utilize to help prepare a child for surgery. This Program allows children to have the opportunity to learn about the surgery process in a manner that is non-threatening and directed to a child’s perspective & special concerns.  

Other helpful hints:

©              Have your child draw a picture for the surgeon.

©            Tell all of your family and friends and your child's teacher. 

©              Encourage friends to mail your child a card.

©              Encourage close family members to buy your child a present.

(My niece broke her arm and was admitted to Le Bonheur when she was eight years old. 

Even though I was living in another city at the time,

I immediately wired her some flowers with a teddy bear attached. 

Haley is now 30 years old with four children of her own,

and she STILL treasures that Teddy Bear to this day.  It's important!)

©            Put your child's name on your church's prayer list. 

©     Talk to your child about the surgery in terms they can understand.

©      Learn as much as possible about the surgery planned for your child.

©      Answer your child's questions truthfully.

©    Answer questions according to your child's age and developmental level.

©      Read books about hospitalization with your child.

©            Make arrangements for the care of your other children. 

      On the day of surgery, please do not bring your other children to the hospital.

            If your child spends the night, then your other children can come the next day.

            The time and length of your child's surgery can not be predicted.

            If your other children need to be picked up from school,

            make plans ahead of time for someone else to help you.

Don't hesitate to call me, Diana Chiles,

or any of the other Child Life Specialists,

for questions or further advice.

(There is a Child Life Specialist assigned to

each Le Bonheur Patient Unit,

including Same Day Surgery,

Radiology, Intensive Care,

and the Emergency Department.)

Diana Chiles -- 901-287-4778.

Child Life Department -- 901-287-5225.