Dennis has an anaesthetic

Dennis has an anaesthetic helps children understand what it’s like to have a general anaesthetic, using familiar Beano characters to help reduce any anxiety they may have about surgery.

Children aged 7-11 can accompany Dennis on a fun-filled journey as he prepares to have his tonsils removed, from diagnosis to discharge from hospital. Although Dennis approaches his operation with his usual sense of bravado, he also has lots of questions and feels a bit nervous!

Through reading the online comic strip, children will have their questions answered, 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/carers understand what happens in the run-up to an operation, the care children will need afterwards and how they can best prepare. As Dennis finds out, there are lots of practical things he can do ahead of his operation, such as eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of sleep and exercise.

All children who are due to have a general anaesthetic will benefit from reading the comic strip, even if they are not outwardly demonstrating anxiety. As well as being a fun and playful way to help children understand more about their operation and how to prepare for it, Dennis has an anaesthetic includes familiar characters, games and links to other resources.

Dennis has an Anaesthetic is available for download at:

APAGBI Children & Young People | Leaflets for Children 

RCoA | Information for Children Parents & Carers

We have developed this special Beano comic strip in partnership with the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Dennis has an Anaesthetic is a Beano Studios Product ©DC Thomson (2022)

Dr Karen Bartholomew, Patient Information Lead for the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of GBI and Consultant Paediatric Anaesthetist at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust: 

“We are delighted to add Dennis has an anaesthetic to the range of information resources we share with the Royal College of Anaesthetists. We hope that children, their families and carers will enjoy and benefit from this resource and find the whole experience of the surgical and anaesthesia pathway more familiar and more fun.”