Children & Adults with Special Needs

Special Care for Children

We give children the extra care they need in an unfamiliar setting. To help ease apprehension, parents are welcome to bring a child scheduled for surgery for a Peek-a-Boo Tour of the CHHSC. The staff of takes pleasure in meeting the children and establishing a relationship with them prior to surgery. Please call CHHSC at 304.523.1885 to schedule a tour.

Reviewing these guidelines may prevent delays or cancellation of your child's surgery:

• The legal guardian must sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery. If the patient is a ward of the state, has a durable power of attorney or is in foster care, and the legal guardian cannot be in attendance, then a copy of the court order designating who is the legal guardian and a copy of a picture ID must be brought to the facility before phone permission can be obtained.
• At least one parent or legal guardian must remain in the center during the child's surgery and recovery.
• Because the child having surgery needs your undivided attention, please leave your other children at home.
• Parents accompanying a child for surgery should eat before arrival, even though the child cannot, in order to stay focused and think clearly. Without nourishing energy during a stressful time like this, a parent may experience a vagal reaction, causing lightheadedness and sometimes fainting.

Food and Drink

Unless otherwise instructed by the surgeon, children must not eat or drink anything after midnight before their arrival. Please do not allow them to chew gum, suck on candy or swallow toothpaste before surgery.

Personal Comforts

Please bring your child's favorite blanket, stuffed animal or toy for added security. If your child requires a bottle or special drinking cup, please bring that with you as well. Give it to the nurse before surgery so that your child will have it after surgery.

After Surgery

You will be able to be with your child as soon as he/she is awake and medically safe for transfer after recovery.

Special Care for Special Needs Adults

We understand that loved ones who depend upon others for daily living require special attention. Reviewing the general information about surgery at the CHHSC, along with the information below, may make caring for a patient with special needs a little easier.

Equipment

Please bring any walkers, post-operative crutches, hearing aids or other equipment with you.

Consent

The legal guardian must sign the consent for surgery and anesthesia on or before the day of surgery. If the patient is a ward of the state, has a durable power of attorney, or is in foster care and the legal guardian cannot be in attendance, then a copy of the court order designating who is the legal guardian and a copy of a picture ID must be brought to the facility before phone permission can be obtained.

Admission from Another Healthcare Facility

If the patient is currently residing in or under the care of another healthcare facility, please bring the patient's recent health history, medication information and phone number to contact the attending healthcare provider. Be certain to follow the fasting guidelines before surgery.

Personal Attendant

Like all other patients, special needs patients must have a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult remain at the Surgery Center from admission through recovery. A personal attendant must stay with the patient for 24 hours after discharge.