Surgical Visit

We understand that having a surgical procedure can be scary and unsettling for both you and your child.  Rest assured that your child is in the hands of some of the most highly skilled, compassionate pediatric surgeons and surgical care teams. Find a pediatric surgeon »  

Depending on your child’s surgery, he or she may be admitted to Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital afterward for observation or you may be able to go home following the procedure.  Your child’s surgeon or surgical coordinator should be able to provide you with this information, as well as specifics about where to check in and receive pre-surgical care on the day of surgery.  We recommend that you follow up with your surgeon’s office about specific details surrounding your child’s surgery as each child and procedure is different.

Inpatient Surgery

If your child needs to be admitted after surgery (per doctor’s orders), you can check in at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital before surgery to have their vital signs checked and IV started.  From there, you may accompany your child to the pre-operating area, before sitting in either the Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital waiting area or the waiting area near the operating room while your child undergoes his or her surgical procedure.  The operating room nurses will keep you informed of your child’s progress throughout the procedure. 

After surgery, you will be allowed to visit your child in the post-operating area and accompany him or her back to your room at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital.  From there, the specially trained pediatric nurses and doctors will take excellent care of your little one as he or she recovers.

Pediatric pre-surgical tours are available by request with one of our child life specialists. During a tour, you and your child will have the chance to see Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital and learn a little more about what to expect on the day of your surgery.  Call 704-384-5134 to schedule a pre-surgery tour.

Outpatient Surgery

If you are scheduled for an outpatient surgical procedure, you may go directly to the pre-surgical area instead of coming to Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital.  Your surgeon or surgeon’s office should inform you of specifics before you arrive.  Most pediatric surgical procedures, including the removal of tonsils or adenoids, are outpatient procedures.

For more information, please review our frequently asked questions, contact your pediatric surgeon’s office or call child life at 704-384-5134.