Graphic of an exclamation mark
Notice of Oracle Health/Cerner Security Incident

Learn More about past patient records that may be affected by a 2025 security breach.

Learn More

When You Arrive

For any family, finding out a child needs to visit a hospital can be stressful. We want your experience to go as smoothly as possible. Your doctor will give you instructions for having your child tested for COVID-19 prior to their surgery or procedure. This ensures that your child and our health care workers stay safe.

On the day of your child's procedure, the people caring for your child will  wear a name tag, introduce themselves, and explain their roles in your child's care.

Patients may be accompanied by two adult caregivers. No siblings or other extended family members are allowed. Patients (over the age of 2) and their adult caregivers will be required to wear a mask while in the hospital. Each person entering the hospital will undergo a brief health screening and have their temperature taken. If you feel ill on the day of your child’s surgery, please do not come to the hospital

Once you are registered, a nurse will check  your child’s vital signs, including:

  • blood pressure
  • temperature
  • weight
  • height
  • pulse oximeter

In addition to a hospital gown, each child will be given an identification band with his/her name and date of birth.

The child and family will be taken to the holding room on the second floor. Each patient is allowed to have ) two adult family members in the holding room, where they will meet the nurse, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Masks must be worn when health care workers enter the holding room. Masks may be removed if only family is present.

Once the child is taken to surgery, the family will be escorted to the waiting room where seating is spread out to encourage physical distancing. Please wear your masks during this time. No food or drinks should be consumed in this area. For meals and snacks, you can visit the Café located on the first floor.

After surgery, the patient will be taken to the recovery room to wake up. Recovery room nurses will continue to monitor your child.

The surgeon will come speak to the family in the waiting room after surgery.

Virtually Tour The Children's Hospital of San Antonio

View Transcript

Welcome to The Children's Hospital of San Antonio. You're invited to come along and see what's inside. We are San Antonio's only free-standing children's hospital completely devoted to the passionate care of children and new moms.

We are a Catholic faith-based hospital where people from all religions are welcome.  Here in the Santa Rosa Chapel people from all denominations gather for prayer and quiet reflection. The Good Shepherd stained-glass mural graces our main lobby and welcomes all who enter and reminds us of our mission - to extend the healing ministries of Jesus Christ. Our lobby features a beautiful wall that changes colors and highlights the many donors who helped make our hospital a place for sick and injured children to find hope and healing.

At Kidstop we offer a variety of outpatient services including lab test, orthopedic splits, imaging services and infusion therapy. 

Across the hall, from Kidstop is the cafe serving up hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Each day there's a new menu with delicious food served to the families of patients and our own Associates. 

When your child needs surgery or a medical procedure you will go to the second floor to register.  This spacious area allows each child to have to care givers present to provide emotional support. 

In the pre-op area a child life specialist,  will visit and help the child and family to know what to expect. The doctors involved with your child's procedure will also visit to answer any questions your might have.  Depending on the type of procedure or surgery your child has, you may return home the same day or you may be taken to the pediatric intensive care unit where specialized nurses and doctors offer the highest level of care to help your child recover.

From surgery your child may be admitted to one of our spacious patient rooms.  We encourage at least one parent or caregiver to stay overnight with your child.  Each room features a sofa that converts to a bed, so you can remain close to your little one.

The Children's Hospital has the areas only inpatient rehabilitation unit helping children and teens recover from debilitating illnesses and injuries.  Giving them the therapy they need to build skills to help them walk, bounce a ball, brush their teeth, and bath. 

Newly remolded in 2021 the labor and delivery,  unit offers spacious rooms for families to welcome their new baby into the world. After delivery, moms and babies will have time to bond in the mother baby unit where we encourage couplet care. New moms can spend time getting to know their baby, get help with breastfeeding and prepare to take their baby home.

The neonatal intensive care unit, offers the highest level of care for babies born prematurely or with certain medical conditions. Our doctors and nurses collaborate with a number of other specialist to make sure each baby has the opportunity to reach their full potential. While in the NICU parents take advantage of the amenities offered in the family lounge. Place to eat a meal, watch tv, take care of laundry, or simply take time to relax. 

The Child Life Center is a hub for activities for children who are in the hospital. The library has computers parents can use to research or catch up on emails. Children are welcome to check out books from our library to read while their in the hospital. The Child Life Zone opened in 2020 to offer children a place to just be a kid, have fun and learn new things. There's a recording studio, pool table and lots of interactive games.

The newest addition to our family is Marcus, he's our facility dog along with Allison who's a child life specialist.  Marcus spends his days making rounds visiting patients and spreading happiness along the way.

We hope you enjoyed this tour of The Children's Hospital of San Antonio. Please visit our website CHOFSA dot org to learn more.