Preparation

Our Child Life Specialists can help you and your child prepare for a new procedure or review a familiar one. We describe the process in ways your child can understand. We explain what the procedure will be like for your child.  We are available to go with patients to treatment rooms and tests in any area of the hospital.  Having your child ask questions during this preparation can help him or her feel more at ease. If we aren't able to prepare your child before the procedure, we can review it afterwards to help your child understand what has happened. If you are interested in having a Child Life Specialist prepare your child for a procedure, please call the Child Life Office at (207) 662-6267. 

Visit & View Program
This program provides children and families with much needed information before the day of surgery. Our goal is to take the worry out of coming to the hospital for children and families. During this one hour program, you will:

 

• Receive age-appropriate information on what will be happening on the day of surgery
• Feel and touch medical equipment
• Be able to ask questions

It can make the difference between a smile and a frown on the big day. The Visit & View Program is offered on Tuesdays from 6 -7 p.m. To register, just call the Child Life Program at (207) 662-6267. You can also read "Your Operation Book" with your child to help prepare for an upcoming surgery. Download the "Your Operation Book". (.pdf)