Caring for children
Special attention is given to the needs of parents and children
at St John of God Hospital Geelong.
Koala Cove is our specialised area for children
requiring surgery. 
Specialist staff will ensure the very best of care and comfort
for you and your child.
In addition a play therapist works within the unit providing
activity based distraction for the children while they are waiting
to go to theatre and in the post operative period prior to
discharge.
If your child requires an operation, we encourage a
pre-admission visit to the Unit. This will enable your child
to become familiar with the Unit, providing a chance to meet with
our nursing team and have an informal tour.
Parents are encouraged to stay with their child during the
pre-operative and recovery stage. One parent/guardian is welcome to
stay overnight with their child. Please bring sleepwear and
toiletries for yourself and your child. You may also prefer to
bring your own pillow and/or sleeping bag.
If a child requires overnight admission they will need to
bring:
- Toiletries
- Sleepwear (pack a spare pair in case needed)
- Nappies/pull ups if required
- Favourite toy
- Any special feeding cup or bottle and formula if required
The staff from the paediatric unit will ring you the afternoon
or evening prior to surgery to inform you of admission and fasting
time, they can also assist you with any queries you may have at
this time.
It is preferable that siblings of a child requiring surgery be
left in the care of a babysitter and not be brought into hospital
prior to surgery - they are more than welcome to visit after
surgery.