Having the option to receive care locally can provide peace of mind by eliminating the stress and expense of travel and allowing you to remain close to your child’s surgical team during the important days following a procedure. We understand that the idea of surgery might be overwhelming for a child and their family. However, when surgery is the best treatment option, professionals at Outer Banks Health are trained to support both the medical and emotional needs of young ones in a cheerful, comfortable setting. Patients have the option to choose their own playfully patterned cap and, there’s a “kids’ room” in the operating room (OR) recovery area decorated by local artist Julie Moye, who engaged the help of area students to paint cheerful sea creatures. When it’s time to move to surgery, a special child-friendly vehicle for the trip is offered to the OR. Along the way, there are aquatic scenes of dolphins and clown fish illuminated above for our young patients’ enjoyment.
Our surgical team is well versed in developing trusting relationships by making each child feel special and really listening to his or her concerns. All of our preoperative and recovery nurses are PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified, and our anesthesia care team includes an anesthesiologist and three CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) with pediatric training. We use a variety of methods to help your child manage fear and anxiety prior to surgery, including distraction, play, and age-appropriate education to create an exceptional patient-centered experience.
Because the thought of surgery can be overwhelming, we offer children and their families the opportunity to meet the team and tour the hospital prior to the important day. Scheduled through your surgeon’s office, this special one-on-one time allows you and your child to ask questions and become familiar with the hospital.
Everyone here at Outer Banks Health strives to make your experience as positive as possible from start to finish. If you have any questions about your child’s upcoming surgery, we’re here to help:
Patient Registration:
(252) 449-4536
Director of Perioperative Services:
(252) 449-5655
Patient Experience Manager:
(252) 449-4550