Care at NUH

Patient Education

2024/10/02

Regional anaesthesia numbs the surgical site. It can be used as the sole anaesthetic technique or in combination with a general anaesthetic. 

Click on the following brochures for more information: 

Click on the following brochure on Pain Relief Options in labour:  

Click on the following brochure on General Anaesthesia in children: 

Additional information to help prepare your child for surgery:
Fasting guidelines
Children aged <6 months (a nurse will confirm the actual fasting time with you) 

  • 6 hours before op time for baby food/solids
  • 4 hours before op time for breast or formula milk - max 200mls
  • 2 hours before op time for clear fluid (water, clear sugared drinks or clear fruit juice without pulp) - max 100mls 

Children Aged >6 months – 12 years old

AM Surgery

(To complete by 2AM on the day of surgery)

FOOD - ONLY ONE OPTION OF: baby food OR 2 plain biscuits without filling OR maximum of 2 slices of bread with fruit jamDRINK - ONLY ONE OPTION OF: breast or formula milk OR milky drink (e.g. soya milk, Milo, Horlicks). Maximum volume of 200mls (approx. 1 cup).
AFTER 2AM, 200mls of clear liquids can be consumed up to 2 hours before operation time. ​

PM Surgery

(To complete by 6AM on the day of surgery)

FOOD - ONLY ONE OPTION OF: baby food OR 2 plain biscuits without filling OR maximum of 2 slices of bread with fruit jamDRINK - ONLY ONE OPTION OF: breast or formula milk OR milky drink (e.g. soya milk, Milo, Horlicks). Maximum volume of 200mls (approx. 1 cup).
AFTER 6AM, 200mls of clear liquids can be consumed up to 2 hours before operation time. ​


How do I prepare my child who has special needs for surgery? 

Being in hospital can induce fear and anxiety in all children, and this is especially true for children with special needs who may be sensitive to new surroundings. At NUH, our commitment is to collaborate with you in ensuring a successful surgical experience for your child.  

We value your insights into your child's care and coping needs. This information enables us to tailor an individualised anaesthetic plan. We have a child life therapist available to engage with your child through play before the operation. This can help your child to cope with the peri-operative experience. For more information or to request the assistance of the child life therapist, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Useful Resources 
If you need more information and materials to prepare your child before surgery, please visit the following sites: 

General information for parents 

Videos, stories, activity books

For enquiries regarding Anaesthesia, please contact the Anaesthesia Outpatient Consultation Clinic at  [email protected]

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