Day of Surgery Admissions (DOSA)
Most babies, children or adolescents are admitted on the day of surgery via Day of Surgery Admissions (DOSA). The process involves a nursing admission, clerical admission and a review by an anaesthetist and sometimes the surgeon prior to the surgery.
On this page:
Important information regarding your child’s admission for a surgical procedure
If your child has been booked for a procedure you will come through the Day of Surgery Admissions area on the third floor, Zone B at the WCH.
Theatre sessions are split into two start times – 8:30am start and 1:00pm start.
We need to have enough time to talk to you and your child about the plan and care we will be providing and answer any clinical questions or concerns you may have.
We require you to come for the admission to make sure your child is safe and you are fully informed from all staff involved in your child’s care.
- Morning theatre sessions – your child will be admitted between 6:30am and 11am and they will go the theatre between 8:30am and 12:00pm.
- Afternoon theatre sessions – your child will be admitted between 11:00am and 2pm and they will go to theatre between 1:00pm and 3:30pm.
Before your child goes to theatre you and your child will see a number of staff, including nurses, surgeons, anaesthetists, proceduralists and play therapists.
The time that your child will go for their procedure is not in order of arrival.
The order of the theatre lists is carefully planned with consideration given to:
- type of procedure being undertaken
- age of the patient
- surgeon and anaesthetist assessment
- availability of surgeons.
Please do not hesitate in contacting us prior to your child’s admission if you have any concerns regarding the above.
We have plenty of toys, games, books and crafts for your child to use whilst they are waiting. You may also bring some distraction items including electronic devices for your child as we know it can be a long wait.
We ask that you are respectful of the nursing staff in DOSA as they work to support you and your child on the day of surgery.
How to access this service
Location
3rd Floor, Good Friday Building
Further information
We welcome the involvement of parents and caregivers while your child is in hospital.
If your child is admitted to the hospital for a surgical procedure, you can ask nursing staff for additional information.
Contact
Phone
(08) 8161 6620
Fax
(08) 8161 8113
Mailing Address
Day of Surgery Admissions
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006