Introduction
The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) provides
sedation for patients that have failed immunisations and/or blood tests in the
community despite previous attempts at a paediatric phlebotomist, utilising
distraction techniques +/- numbing cream.
For more information please see Clinical
Practice Guidelines : Procedural sedation
When to refer
- All non-sedative options have been explored
- Previous attempts at a paediatric phlebotomist –
utilising distraction techniques +/- numbing cream
- There is no paediatric service closer to home
- An initial medical assessment has been completed
to exclude
- Chronic respiratory problems including OSA
- Abnormal airway/jaw
- Significant cardiac impairment
- Patient experiences at least one of the
following
- Increased anxiety associated with medical procedures
- Previous traumatic/unsuccessful attempts despite
adjunct support
- Neurodevelopmental Disorder(s) predisposing to
procedure-related trauma
Wait time for appointments
Wait times for bloods under sedation appointments are between 3 – 5
months. We are unable to
facilitate urgent appointments in this clinic – see “How to Refer” section if
you require an urgent blood test.
Services available closer to home
The RCH is one of several
paediatric centres that provide bloods under sedation. There may be a
centre that is able to provide this care closer to home.
- Monash Children's Hospital, Complex Pain Clinic
- Sunshine Hospital
(Joan Kirner Women and Children) – internal referrals only
- Barwon Health,
Paediatric Day Stay Unit
- Cabrini – FITS
Clinic (Private service)
Referral
criteria/required information
- Reason for
sedation
- Test(s) required –
(please include pathology slips for all tests requested and state if FASTING or
NON-FASTING)
- Previous medical
history including:
- Current diagnosis
- Weight
- Baseline observations (HR & blood pressure)
- Allergies
- Current medication
- Details of previous venepuncture attempts
- Details of previous sedation attempts including medication
used -
Immunisations
if required
How to refer
Specialist Clinics referral
AND
Bloods under sedation referral- Additional information
Please complete the above and submit via:
- Facsimile (03)
9345 5034 or
- Email screferrals@rch.org.au
- Urgent
referral or clinical query call
ED or Registrar on-call (03) 9345 7062
Information for families
Suggested techniques to be tried as a non-sedative
option
- Use of topical anaesthetic
- Distraction tools &
techniques
- A paediatric specialist
phlebotomy service
Resources and links
These resources can help children
and families to understand what to expect when coming to the hospital for a
procedure under sedation.
Additional web-based resources
developed specifically to empower children and families with pain management
strategies, skills, and support.
The development of
this guideline was
coordinated by Sophie Nicholson. Guideline reviewed in July 2026.