Pre-Assessment Resources

This information is shared to support learning and development of services; if you would like us to include any additional resources then please contact us.

Please note: These links are to charity and ‘for-profit’ organisations. Operational Delivery Networks are funded by the NHS and we are sharing this information to raise awareness of available resources and opportunities to improve pathways for children undergoing surgical procedures, and enhance NHS services to be more child-friendly. The network are not intending to promote any particular company or product through our website. Further internal resources are available to NHS colleagues through our NHS Futures page.

Resources from the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists:

Pre-Operative Care Services for Children and Young People

National best practice guidance for pre-operative services for CYP was updated in June 2026.

Preparation and Management of CYP with Individual Needs

Best practice guidance to deliver optimal care for the children throughout the perioperative journey

Ready, Steady,
Recover

10 things that CYP can do to prepare for surgery that can have a big impact on how well they recover, including videos.

Information for children, parents and carers

Age-appropriate leaflets, videos, and activities designed by children to show what to expect when having an anaesthetic.

Common events and risks
for CYP having a GA

A leaflet about the common events and risks that healthy children face when having a general anaesthetic for routine surgery.

Your child’s general anaesthetic

A leaflet explaining what to expect when a child comes into hospital to have an operation with a general anaesthetic.

Supporting through anaesthesia and surgery

A leaflet to help parents and carers discover strategies to prepare children for an operation and help them have a positive experience

Other National Resources:

UKCPA: The Handbook
of Perioperative
Medicines

National guidance to ensure unified practice for the management of patient’s regular medicines in the perioperative period.

SOBA: Anaesthesia resources for children living with obesity

Society for Obesity and Bariatric Anaesthesia guidance including recommendations, consent, checklists, and information leaflets.

South Tees:
Paediatric Pre-Assessment Guidelines

Dr Amy Norrington and colleagues published guidelines for developing high quality, child-centred pre-operative assessment

STPN:
Individualised Perioperative Pathway

A pathway from the South Thames Paediatric Network acknowledging that population are becoming more complex

Regional Resources:

Gloucestershire: Having an Operation at our Children’s Centre

Gloucestershire Hospital have recorded a video showing how to prepare, and how to recover from surgery at their Children’s Centre.

Bristol:
A Little Deep Sleep

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust have developed a video explaining to children and families what happens when a they come into hospital for a general anaesthetic.

Useful Tools:

Widget Health

Easy-read communication support for patients and professionals are available from Widget Health.

Asthma Control Test

A tool used by healthcare providers globally to help determine if asthma symptoms are well controlled.

Paeds Prescribing Pro

A dosage calculator for prescribers. Please ensure prescriptions are checked as per local policy.

Health Promotion:

Health and Wellbeing Resources

Resources about weight, diet and exercise, smoking, dental hygiene, mental health, and vaccinations can be shared with families to promote and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Click below for other resources related to children’s surgery: