Plan Your Visit

Preparing your child and yourself for a surgery can feel overwhelming. Our surgery guide can help make the job a little easier. Please feel free to view, download or print a copy of the guide for your convenience.

View and download our surgery guide

Our surgery coloring book can help your child understand what's happening

Our surgery coloring book in Spanish

We know the medical center is really big, and there's a lot going on. Most parents eventually say they wish they'd known some of the basic things when they first arrived. So, parents on the Cook Children's Family Advisory Council put together a list of the those things. Here are the tips they've learned along the way.

• You know your child best
  Share your concerns with staff if something isn't right. If you don't feel like you're being heard, ask to see the nurse manager or call a patient representative at 682-885-6698.
• Keep a notebook
  Download our FREE health care notebook to write down questions and information about your child's care, keep track of doctors appointments, medications and more. Health care notebooks are also available for free from the Family Health Library. Just stop by, call 682-885-3060 or email family.library@cookchildrens.org.
• Cook Children's retail pharmacy
  You can pick up and pay for your child's medicines before you leave the medical center. Cook Children's Pharmacy is located on the first floor of the medical center, next to the Emergency Department. It may take a few hours to get your child's medicines filled. If you'd like to pick up your child's medicine before you leave, let your nurse know as soon as possible. Parents need an ID to pick up a prescription.
• Connect with another parent
  Contact us at 682-885-7123 or parents@cookchildrens.org if you would like help connecting with another parent. He/she can give you information, support and encouragement.
• Child Life specialists offer support
  In addition to providing play activities, a Child Life specialist can also:
  • Prepare and support you and your child for procedures.
  • Talk with patients and siblings about diagnoses, treatment and other changes.
  • Help celebrate birthdays and other important life events.
• Social workers are here to help
  You can ask to talk with a social worker for help with:
  • Job, lodging and child care issues.
  • Medical insurance and/or other financial concerns.
  • Problem-solving, community resources and crisis intervention.
• It's OK to take a break.
  You need to take care of yourself, too. Go out to eat, take a walk or simply step outside for some fresh air. Ask your nurse or Child Life specialist if a volunteer is available to sit with your child.
• Dining options outside the medical center
  Each nurse's station has a book of menus for local restaurants, including some that deliver to the medical center, should you want a break from the cafeteria.
• It's okay to ask for help
  There is help and support available for the whole family, including support groups for parents/caregivers and programs just for brothers and sisters. Ask your nurse, social worker or Child Life specialist for more information. Chaplains are available to provide counsel and comfort for people of all faiths and beliefs.
• Onsite laundry rooms
  You can do your laundry right here at the medical center – for FREE! Ask your nurse where the closest laundry room is located. Please be patient, as the laundry room can be a busy place.
• Lost items
  Our staff has probably found it. Forgotten personal belongings are labeled with the patient's name and stored. Ask for help at the nurse's station. For lost electronics, contact the Security office at 682-885-1047.

Please feel free to download or share this information