There are several important items you need to bring with you to the hospital when your child is coming for surgery. There may also be items that you want to bring that will help your child to be more comfortable. Review the list below to make sure you have everything you need.
Take a screenshot of the below:
Essential items
- Your child’s health (OHIP) card
- Federal health coverage, if applicable
- Health insurance information
- Legal custody documents
- All current, labelled medications your child is taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medication
- Mobility equipment (wheelchair, stroller, crutches etc.)
- Medical equipment and accessories (tracheostomy tube and obturator, feeding tube extension, hearing aids, CPAP machine etc.)
- Eyeglasses with labelled eyeglasses case
- Hair elastics (non-metallic)
- Non-slip slippers or clean indoor shoes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Other toiletry items (deodorant, hairbrush etc.)
- Diapers
- Menstrual pads
Items for use after surgery in the hospital recovery area
- An empty, labelled reusable water bottle or sippy cup
- Labelled bag to store your child’s clothes
- Comfortable clothes for going home
- Specialty formulas
- Breast pump
Additional optional items
- Labelled comfort item (blanket or stuffed animal)
- Entertainment (books, tablets and games)
- Device chargers
Protect your child: Prevent medication mistakes
Some medications cannot be taken with other medications or anesthetic. To make sure your child safely takes the right medications, doctors and nurses must understand all the medications your child takes at home.
What we need from you
Please bring the following items:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- cough/cold/allergy medications
- puffers
- herbal products and vitamins/supplements
- eye/ear drops
- creams
- recently stopped medications
Carrying the medications with you may be difficult. Another option is to take photos of labels on each bottle or container of medication, ointment, vitamins, drops, etc.
Ensure the dosage amount can be seen in the photo. You can take front and back photos if required.