Help & Advice

Some injuries that require surgery can be performed as a day case. In this instance, you will be admitted and discharged from hospital on the same day, without an overnight stay. If this applies to you, one of our team will contact you prior to your surgery to discuss
  • when you should fast from
  • what medications you can take on the morning of your surgery,
  • how to get to the Day Surgery Unit (DSU) in RBHSC.
If your child needs to stay overnight due to pain/sickness or they require additional rehabilitation this will be arranged.

You will receive an appointment letter with details of time, date and place of the appointment.
The letter may also include specific instructions for you to follow.

Barbour ward

028 9615 0299

Knox ward

028 9615 0345

Fasting Guidance

Most children require a general anaesthetic for their surgery. It is important that children have been fasted for at least 6 hours before hand to minimise the risk of them choking/vomiting during the anaesthetic which can lead to very serious complications.

Fast from midnight – Last meal at 23:59 the night before their surgery. No further food, chewing gum or fluids should be taken unless instructed by the Anaesthetic Team.

Small (Light) Early Breakfast – this is usually for children scheduled on a planned afternoon operating list. They are permitted to have a small breakfast around 0700 and then have no further food, chewing gum or fluids unless instructed by the Anaesthetic Team.