Procedures Under Sedation
How can FITS Clinic help?
FITS Clinic provides a range of options to assist needle
phobic children and adolescents to have their
immunisations and/or procedures completed in a safe
and reassuring manner.
For a full description of our service, please see our FAQs below.
FAQs
What is needle phobia?
Hear our FITS clinician, Dr Daryl Cheng on The House of Wellness talking about Needle Phobia.
How can FITS Clinic help with needle phobia?
FITS Clinic provides a range of options for selected needle phobic children and adolescents including distraction techniques for procedures or immunisation under sedation. See a walkthrough of our service based at Cabrini Health, Malvern below.
When is a procedure under sedation required?
In some circumstances when standard immunisation or other procedures such as blood tests are difficult to perform – such as in children with needle phobia, anxiety, autism or other developmental problems, sedation can be considered.
FITS Clinic currently assists children, teenagers and young adults with their procedures under sedation service.
Who performs the procedure?
Any procedures will be performed by a team of highly experienced paediatricians and nurses, who are trained in immunisation and sedation. They perform these services across both the public and private health sectors in Victoria.
How does the service work?
An initial telehealth or face-to-face consult with a FITS doctor will be arranged to explain the sedation and procedure process, as well as to discuss immunisations or blood tests that are required. This appointment can be face-to-face or by telehealth, and is bulk-billed.
The sedation procedure (immunisation and/or blood tests) will be performed as part of a day admission to the Cabrini Paediatrics ward.
There is a flat fee out-of-pocket cost for the sedation procedure, regardless of the time/duration required.
There may be an out-of-pocket cost (charged by Cabrini Health) for the hospital admission – some private health funds may cover this gap.
There may also be additional costs for specific vaccines (eg. travel vaccinations).
Is sedation the same as a general anaesthetic?
No. Sedation means your child will be sleepy or “groggy” during the procedure, but will not be connected to an anaesthetic breathing machine.
What types of sedation medications are used during the procedure?
There are a number of sedation options used in our clinic including Nitrous Oxide, Midazolam and Clonidine. The type of sedation will be dependent on the patient and this will be discussed with you at the initial consultation.
Are there any fasting requirements?
Yes. Patients will be required to fast for at least 2 hours prior to the procedure.
How long will the procedure take? Can I stay with my child during the sedation procedure?
Depending on the type of sedation, it may take a few hours until the effect wears off. Patients remain on the paediatric ward until they are safe for discharge.
Parents will be able to stay with their child during the entire procedure.
Are there any side effects associated with sedation?
After the procedure, certain sedatives may cause your child to feel drowsy. This is normal, and your child will be carefully monitored until they have fully recovered. It’s important to note that all medications carry some risk of side effects, which will be explained to you by your child’s doctor. Prior to administering sedatives, it is important to inform the medical team if your child has experienced any side effects from medications in the past.
What should I do if my child experiences unusual symptoms or reactions after the procedure?
After the procedure, certain sedatives may cause your child to feel drowsy. This is normal, and your child will be carefully monitored until they have fully recovered. It’s important to note that all medications carry some risk of side effects, which will be explained to you by your child’s doctor. Prior to administering any sedatives, it is important to inform the medical team if your child has experienced any side effects from medications in the past.
For more information on Immunisation Under Sedation, we recommend the following resources:
Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre – Needle phobia
The Royal Children’s Hospital – Vaccination and needle phobia
How do I access this service at FITS Clinic?
Obtain a GP referral describing your child’s immunisation or procedure needs, including any blood or pathology tests required.
Contact our FITS clinic to request an initial consultation appointment via any of the methods listed below:
- Complete the online referral form below. Once received, FITS will contact you to make an appointment time.
- Ask your GP to send a secure e-referral to unyokedh (Healthlink)
- Fax a referral to (03) 7050 3780
Attend an initial consultation appointment with our FITS clinician – this appointment can be telehealth, and is bulk billed if your child is Medicare eligible. Our FITS clinician will determine suitability for procedure to be conducted at FITS.
If appropriate, day admission to Cabrini Paediatric Ward is required to proceed with immunisation/procedures under sedation. Day admission (hospital) and out of pocket sedation procedure charges will apply.
Online Referral
