Surgical Short Stay: Discharge information sheet
Introduction
Sometimes, children can become unwell after they have been discharged from hospital. This information sheet provides general information about some of the signs and symptoms to look out for, and when to seek medical attention.
This is general advice for educational purposes only and should not replace the advice given by your child鈥檚 doctor or treating team.
Signs and symptoms to look out for
General concerns
If you are worried your child is getting worse, you can:
- Present to your nearest Emergency Department
- Contact on 1800 022 222 for general medical advice
- Contact your GP or Health Practitioner
Do not ignore these signs and symptoms, or wait to see if they get better. Seek medical attention.
Uncontrolled pain
Uncontrolled pain describes pain that causes distress and continues even after giving the pain relief medications your child has been asked to take.
If you are concerned your child is experiencing uncontrolled pain, seek medical attention from your GP or nearest Emergency Department.
Breathing
Bleeding
Fever
You should seek medical attention from your GP or nearest Emergency Department if your child has a fever that does not come down after giving Paracetamol (Panadol) or Ibuprofen (Nurofen), or as advised by your child鈥檚 treating doctors.
Eating and drinking
You should seek medical attention if your child is refusing to drink enough fluids or has passed less than half their usual amount of urine.
Excessive drowsiness
You should seek medical attention if your child is difficult to wake, or they appear excessively drowsy.
Seeking medical help
In an emergency call 000.

- Breathing difficulties or changes to regular breathing patterns
- Fresh bleeding
- Uncontrolled pain
- Refusing to drink and passing less than half usual amount of urine
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Difficult to wake
- Excessive drowsiness
- If you are worried your child is getting worse

- Fever: a persistent fever that does not come down after giving Paracetamol (Panadol) or Ibuprofen (Nurofen), or as advised by your child鈥檚 treating doctor
- Refusing to eat
- If you are worried your child is getting worse
- As advised by your child鈥檚 treating doctor
If a GP appointment wait-time is too long, present to your nearest Emergency Department.
If you are worried your child is getting worse, you can also contact on 1800 022 222 for general medical advice.
See our factsheets for reliable information on childhood diseases and conditions, treatments, tests and procedures, and the use of medical support equipment.
See the factsheets