Royal College of Anaesthetists - Dennis has an anaesthetic comic (18 November 2022)

Summary

This online comic has been developed by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland to help children aged 7-11 understand what it’s like to have a general anaesthetic, using familiar Beano characters to help reduce any anxiety they may have about surgery. It is a fun and playful way to help children understand more about their operation and how to prepare for it, and includes links to other resources.

Readers can accompany Dennis on a fun-filled journey as he prepares to have his tonsils removed, from diagnosis to discharge from hospital.

The comic answers children's questions, including:

• what is a general anaesthetic and is it safe? 
• how will I feel when I wake up? 
• how can I prepare for my operation?
• what should I do if I am worried or have questions?

'Dennis has an anaesthetic' will also help children and their parents and carers understand what happens in the run-up to an operation, the care children will need afterwards and how they can best prepare.