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It is suggested that your child be dressed in clothing that allows easy access to their arms, chest and feet, so that tests and procedures can be performed with minimal undressing. 

Your child may need to remove their upper body clothing for their chest x-ray. 

If your child becomes distressed by undressing, it is recommended that they wear plain clothing with no prints or metal (such as zips, press-studs or sequins) to Cardiac Preadmission Clinic.  

• Your child’s Health Record (Blue book) 
• Your child’s Medicare card  
• Any relevant x-rays, scans and blood results not available through the hospital  
• Your child’s dental clearance (if not already returned) 
• Nappies and spare clothing for the day
• Activities for distraction 
• Notebook and pen to record information and questions 
• Food and drinks for you and your child (i.e. snacks and/or formula) 

• Height and weight: This is needed to correctly calculate medication & anaesthetic drug doses for your child  
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Non-invasive recording of the heart’s electrical activity taken using numerous leads stuck on the skin. It is a quick, painless procedure that requires the child to hold still for a few minutes.
• Echocardiogram: Commonly known as a cardiac ultrasound, an echo uses sound waves to obtain a detailed picture of the inside of the heart and its structures, displayed on a screen 
• Blood test: It is necessary to check the basic components of the blood and to process a cross match. This enables blood products to be readily available should your child require blood during or after their surgery 
• Chest Xray: X-ray is used to assess your child’s heart size and shape and how clear the lungs are. A current x-ray is required. 
• Observations: Basic vital signs include temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. We assess your child’s circulation and how well their nerves are working by feeling pulses in their arms and legs and making sure their limbs move and have equal strength.
• Medical assessment: The Cardiac Registrar or Resident will complete a medical assessment of your child. These doctors will be responsible for your child’s general day-to-day care during their ward stay. 
• Anaesthetist review: The anaesthetist will manage your child’s anaesthetic during the operation. This is a chance for the anaesthetist to get to know all about your child and share some information about the anaesthetic and what to expect. It is a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about the anaesthetic and post-operative pain management or discuss any concerns.  

One out of every 100 children is born with congenital heart disease (CHD). CHD leads to a significant number of hospitalisations, surgeries, and treatments in intensive care units for infants and children.

The causes and outcomes of CHD are still largely unknown. Research in this area is crucial for improving our understanding and enhancing treatment for these children.

Our department conducts various research studies. At the Cardiac Preadmission Clinic or during hospital admission for your child's procedure, our research team may approach you about participating in specific studies. You will receive information and can ask questions. Participation is voluntary and helps us advance our understanding and treatment of CHD.

For more details, visit the .