This program teaches children about the surgery experience in a manner that is non-threatening and understandable from a child's perspective.

(Note:  Bernard and I have conducted this wonderful Pre-Op Teaching Program for over thirty years -- nineteen of those years for Le Bonheur!  Because Bernard and I have moved into Le Bonheur's Community Outreach Department, another Child Life Specialist has taken over this privilege. 

(I suggest that you have your child bring his or her favorite doll or stuff animal to play the part of the patient.  Children enjoy being the "care-taker", and it helps them understand more clearly that there will be someone there to "care" for them as well on the day of their own surgery.)

Le Bonheur's Pre-Op Teaching Program helps the children learn about surgery through hands-on experiences.  The children dress up as surgeons, complete with scrub suits.  Throughout the program, these "doctors" will take their patient, (the child's favorite doll or stuff animal) through the surgery process.  They will learn about the sights and sounds that they will encounter on their own day of surgery.

Bunny Room:    The "doctors"  take their "patient"  to the Bunny Room.  This is where the children will get to pick out a toy on the day of their surgery. The tour continues through the Holding Room, where they smell the flavors of "anesthesia".  (i.e. strawberry, bubble gum, orange, grape, cherry, etc).

Surgery Room:    Then the "doctors" take their "patient" to the Surgical Suite, where they use a real anesthesia mask to put their doll or stuffed animal into a "special sleep". 

PACU   (Post Anesthesia Care Unit  /  Recovery Room):   After the "operation", it is on to the real Recovery Room, where they gently wake up their "patient".  Here they comfort their "patient" and assure him that he will feel better soon.  (Note:  On the day of your child's real surgery, two adult family members are allowed to actually go into the PACU and be with your child as your child wakes up!) 

Return to Mommy:   The young doctors conclude the program with returning their "patient" safely back to a hospital room.  

Participation in this program helps to reduce the child's fear of the unknown by giving the child a better understanding of what the child will experience as patients. This makes the surgery process easier for the child and less stressful for his or her family.

What?                             

Pre-Operative Teaching Program

A program to help teach and prepare children and the their families for the surgery process.

Who Can Attend?

All children who are scheduled for surgery at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center or Le Bonheur East. 

Parents, siblings, grandparents and family members are invited.

Where?

Meet at the Information Desk in the Lobby of the West Patient Tower of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, located at 50 North Dunlap in Memphis, Tennessee.  Give the receptionist the name of the Child Life Specialist who is scheduled to conduct your tour, and the receptionist will page her for you.

When?

Child Life Specialists are available to arrange tours and surgery preparations to individual families at the family's convenience. 

How?

Participants register by calling Child Life at (901)-287-5225.  Cheryl Brown, the Department's Secretary, will contact a Child Life Specialist who will call you and arrange a time that is convenient for you and your family.