Paediatric Anaesthesia
The consultant looking after your child has asked us to perform a scan called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI scan).
This type of scan gives very detailed information which can help with finding out what is wrong with your child and help to decide what further treatment may be needed.
The scan is painless, but it is essential that your child lies still during the scan. This often means that a child will need a general anaesthetic, although some children may be able to lie still enough by themselves.
The scanner works by using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to generate the images. No ionising radiation (X-rays) are used in the scan.
Scans at South Tees Hospitals
The MRI anaesthetic lists at James Cook Hospital are held twice a week.
Important
Please check carefully what time your child is due to come in as, the instructions are different for morning and afternoon scans.
- If the instructions are not followed correctly, your child may be cancelled.
- Your admission details will be in the letter we have sent you.
Having an anaesthetic
On the day of the scan, you will be seen by an anaesthetist who will look after your child while they are having their scan.
The anaesthetist will check that your child does not have any medical conditions which might affect the safety of the anaesthetic. If your child is unwell or has a cough or cold, the scan may be postponed until a later date.
You will be able to come to the anaesthetic area with your child and will be able to stay with your child until he or she goes to sleep.
In the MRI department, before your child goes to sleep, one of the radiographers will ask some more safety questions to ensure that it is safe for the scan to go ahead.
After your child is asleep you will be advised how long the scan is expected to take and where you will meet your child after the scan. You will also be told how to get back to the ward or day unit from radiology.
You will not be able to remain with your child during the scan while they are anaesthetised.
You will normally be able to take your child home that day, but it may take several hours before your child is ready to leave.
Some children will need to stay in hospital overnight following the general anaesthetic, so please come prepared for this, although this is not common.
Young babies, in particular, are likely to need to stay overnight following a general anaesthetic.
Results of the scan
The results of the scan will not be available on the day of the scan. They will be sent to the consultant who requested the scan and can then be discussed at your next appointment.
Instructions for the day of the scan
Important
PLEASE READ THE NEXT PART CAREFULLY
There are significant differences between the instructions for different times of day.
If your child is having their scan on a MORNING
Please read this:
On the day of the scan please attend the hospital at 08:00 am.
Your admission letter will tell you which ward to go to.
Your child will have their anaesthetic at some point in the morning. Your child will be one of several children having scans on this list and no set timings for individual scans can be guaranteed.
Your child will need to come into hospital ‘fasted’ and it is important to follow the fasting instructions for their safety. If there is food or liquid in your child’s stomach during the anaesthetic, there is a risk that it might come back up and damage their lungs.
- You should give your child a glass of water or dilute squash (no milk or fizzy drinks) before you leave home to come to hospital on the day of their operation. They may then continue to sip water if they wish to.
- Your child can have breast milk up to 4 hours before their anaesthetic
(until 5am).
- Your child can eat food and have cow’s milk up to 6 hours before they come in for their anaesthetic. (Until 3am).
- If your child needs thickeners (for example, carobel) in fluids, this counts as food, and so they cannot have this in the 6 hours before surgery. If this is likely to be a problem please let us know.
Do not allow your child to chew chewing gum or have any sweets on the day of their operation.
If your child is having their scan on an AFTERNOON
Please read this:
On the day of the scan, please attend the hospital at 12:30 pm.
Your admission letter will tell you which ward to go to.
Your child will have their anaesthetic at some point in the afternoon. Your child will be one of several children having scans on this list and no set timings for individual scans can be guaranteed.
Your child will need to come into hospital ‘fasted’ and it is important to follow the fasting instructions for their safety. If there is food or liquid in your child’s stomach during the anaesthetic, there is a risk that it might come back up and damage their lungs.
- Please give your child breakfast before 7am and encourage them to drink water or dilute juice until 11am. They may continue to sip water or dilute juice until they arrive in the hospital.
They should not have cow’s milk (it is classed as food) or food after 7am.
- Your child can have breast milk up to 4 hours before their anaesthetic (until 9am).
- If they wish, they may continue to sip water or dilute juice until they arrive in the hospital.
- Your child can eat food and have cow’s milk up to 6 hours before they come in for their anaesthetic. (Until 7am).
- If your child needs thickeners (for example, carobel) in fluids this counts as food and so they cannot have this in the 6 hours before surgery. If this is likely to be a problem, please let us know.
Do not allow your child to chew chewing gum or have any sweets on the day of their operation.
Important
These instructions are important for your child’s safety and if they are not followed the scan may not be able to go ahead.
After the scan
We expect children to eat and drink before they go home.
If your child has particular dietary needs, it may be appropriate for you to bring their own food from home.
The anaesthetic may remain in their system to some degree for up to 24 hours and you should keep an extra eye on them during this time.
Contact us
If you have any concerns after going home you should contact the hospital:
Telephone: 01642 850850 and ask for ward 22 who will be able to provide you with telephone advice.
None urgent enquiries
Email: [email protected]
Patient Experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
