Pediatric Same Day Surgery

Our Pediatric Ambulatory Suite provides outpatient, general specialty, and pediatric same day surgery services to children of all ages.

Our Pediatric Same Day Surgery Suite is staffed by pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatric nurse practitioners, child life specialists, along with a full time staff of pediatric nurses and ancillary staff.

Pediatric Ambulatory Suite

Our Pediatric Ambulatory Suite also provides medical testing and infusion therapy. Our team of pediatric pharmacists and nurses work with the medical staff to deliver the therapy safe and pleasant environment.

We know that your child’s surgery, medical testing or infusions can be a stressful experience for the entire family, but we want you to know that your child is in good hands. Our staff members are experts in caring for children and their families. We hope you choose the Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital for your child care. If there is anything that we can do, or any questions we can answer, do not hesitate to contact us.

Eating & Drinking Schedule Prior to Surgery

Morning Medications maybe taken the day of surgery with a small sip of water. Please feel free to consult your physician. After your child wakes up in the morning please follow these instructions.

Infants (Children under the age of 1 year)

  • Formula may be given until 6 hours prior to your arrival time at the hospital.
  • Breast Milk may be given until 4 hours prior to your arrival to the hospital
  • Clear Liquids (i.e. pedialyte, water) are permitted until 2 hours prior to arrival.

Children (1 year and older)

  • A light meal consisting of dry cereal (no milk) or two slices of dry toast are permitted 6 hours prior to your arrival time at the hospital.
  • Clear liquids may be given until 2 hours prior to arrival time.
  • Clear liquids consist water, apple juice, clear juice drinks, clear broths, Pedialyte, and ice pops.
  • Milk and dairy products, gum, candy, pudding, orange juice and ice cream are all prohibited.

How to prepare your child for surgery

Toddlers: 1-3 years

  • Best to tell about surgery 1 or 2 days prior
  • Allow to bring favorite stuffed animal, blankie or toy

Preschool: 4-5 years

  • Tell your child 3-4 days prior
  • Explain using simple words
  • Read books with pictures of medical equipment
  • Play with medical Doctor and Nurse kits and let child express their feelings

School Age: 6-12 years

  • Tell 1-2 weeks prior to surgery
  • Talk to child about fears and concerns
  • Answer questions honestly

Adolescent: 13 years and older

  • Include in all discussions about surgery
  • Answer and discuss any questions, concerns and fears
  • Child encouraged to bring iPad, DVD/VHS tapes or any hand held game system

Additional information:

Things to Bring Day of Surgery

Consider bringing along some familiar things with you to the hospital to help make your child feel comfortable during his or her stay.

  • Favorite blanket or stuffed animal
  • Pacifiers, favorite cup or bottle
  • Favorite movie (we do have a selection as well)
  • Handheld video game
  • iPod or music player
  • If having an operation on a extremity, bring loose clothing
  • Put pillow and blanket in car for ride home
  • If possible, leave contact lenses home and wear glasses, if not, bring contact lens case and solution
  • Remove all jewelry and leave at home with other valuables
  • A list of medication your child is currently taking

If staying overnight, feel free to bring a packed bag for the child and for whoever may be staying with them. Also, for the younger children remember to bring diapers and formula.

Bring any insurance documents you have. If appropriate, please bring any guardianship papers and documents your doctor may have given you to bring with you the day of the procedure.

Child Life Services

The Child Life Specialists are here to help ensure that all your child’s developmental, emotional and psychological needs are met. In the Pediatric Same Day Surgery Unit, the goal of Child Life and the Family Teaching Program is to make sure your hospital experience is a positive one. The program provides hands on learning experiences to teach your child what they will encounter.

For helpful information please visit Family Teaching Program page.

If you have any questions please contact us at (732) 418-8045, leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Messages are reviewed Tuesday-Friday from 8:00 a.m-11:00 a.m.

Contact Telephone Numbers

  • 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (732) 253-3512
  • After 9:00 p.m. (732) 937-8605