Child Life Pre-Admission Program

3700 California St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
Every Mondy night from 6 - 7 p.m.*

Call 415-600-6278 to register for the Pediatric Pre-admission Program. Please note: registration for the next Monday program must be completed by 6:00 p.m. the prior Friday.

The Child Life Program at California Pacific Medical Center invites children undergoing surgery and their family to attend our Pediatric Pre-admission Program. This free program helps reduce anxiety associated with surgery and familiarize families with the hospital.

One-hour Interactive Session

During the one-hour interactive session children and families can:

• Engage in medical play to familiarize themselves with the hospital experience


• Tour the operating room and recovery room (when available)


• Ask questions to help reduce fear and anxiety


• Meet other children and families that are also having surgery to normalize the experience

*If you cannot attend on a Monday night, please call so we may find a time that works with your schedule.

Preparing for Surgery

Sometimes families are unable to attend our Pediatric Pre-admission Program prior to surgery. Child Life offers the following tips to help your child.

Before Surgery:

• Do your best to remain calm throughout the days prior and the day of surgery. Your child will take cues from you. Often, a calm parent is the best way to help calm and reassure children.


• Bring your child’s favorite blanket or toy to help him/her feel safe.


• Read your child a story about a trip to the hospital (many books like this are available at your public library).


• Reassure your child that you will be with him/her as much as possible throughout the day.

Telephone the the Center for Outpatient Surgery at 415-600-2097 with any questions concerning your child's surgery.

After Surgery

• Talk about the experience with your child. See if there are any questions or unresolved anxiety. (For example: Does your child think he/she may have to return to the hospital?)


• He/She may use play to communicate rather than words. Try having interactive play about the hospital.


• Keep a normal routine. A structured, consistent environment goes a long way in reducing anxiety in children.

California Pacific Medical Center

- Specialty Pediatric Services –

Specialty pediatric services at CPMC in San Francisco feature some of the top-rated pediatric physician specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area and northern California. We deliver family-centered care to babies, young children, adolescents, and children through age 18 using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available.
San Francisco | Marin | Northern California | San Francisco Bay Area