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Day of Surgery
On the day of surgery, plan to arrive to the Pre-Op Care Unit 2 hours before your procedure time (unless otherwise indicated) to allow the team to get you ready safely.
Preparation at home
- Stop eating and drinking at the required time
- Remove jewellery, make up, artificial nails, nail polish
- Remove contact lenses, dental retainers, tampons
Travel to SickKids by car or public transit.
Parking is available under the hospital. Discounted parking passes are available for parents of patients and their frequent visitors. Check the parking page for construction notices.
The operating rooms at SickKids are located on the 2nd floor. Take the Atrium elevator up to the 2nd floor and look for signs that say Pre-op.
Your journey into surgery
Learn more about what to expect from the time you arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery.
Waiting for your child
SickKids has a variety of places and services for you to use while your child is in surgery. It is important for you as a caregiver to take care of yourself so you can take care of your child when they are recovering from surgery.
Surgical waiting room
After your child goes in for surgery, you will be directed to the Surgical Waiting Room. You can wait here while your child is in the operating room.
This is a good time to have a snack and something to drink to ensure you have energy to look after your child when they wake up. It is best to check in with the volunteers when you get there so they know how to notify you when your child is ready to see you after the surgery. Private rooms are located within the surgical waiting room and are available to discuss your child’s surgery with the surgeon.
If you need support to pump or breastfeed while you wait, breastfeeding rooms are available. If you are staying for only the day of surgery, you will need to bring equipment with you. If you are staying overnight, the room is equipped with breast pumps. All other supplies for pumping need to be brought to the breastfeeding room. Ask a nurse in pre-op if you need support.
We encourage you to take a walk and distract yourself. SickKids has places to eat, shop for toiletries, medicine, clothes, toys, gifts and special foods. Ask a staff member for help to find these services or visit the Shopping and Eating page.
These spaces are open 24/7 for quiet prayer and meditation: Meditation & Contemplation Room, Muslim Prayer Room, Chapel, Indigenous Healing Space and Ceremonies. Indigenous ceremonies such as smudging can occur in various spaces in the hospital, including at the bedside. Please ask your health-care provider for more information. Please email indigenous.navigator@sickkids.ca to connect with our Indigenous Health Navigator and Patient Experience Specialist.
