Ambulatory Surgery Patient Information

Providing quality care and service to our patients is the primary concern of the staff in the Perioperative Department. The opinions of our patients concerning their experience helps us determine how well we are doing and allows us to make necessary adjustments to our services to improve your care. We welcome your opinion.

 Before Your Admission to the Ambulatory Care Center:

Patients who have visited the Pre-Admissions Testing Center receive a brochure explaining services and what to expect on the day of admission. Others may receive specific instructions from their physician’s office.

All patients receive a telephone call prior to their admission from a nurse who gives instructions and advises you of when to report to the Medical Center. This is a good time for you to ask any other questions that you may have prior to your admission.

 On the Day of Admission:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, not even water or gum, unless approved by your doctor.
• Do not smoke
• Take you medicine as directed by your doctor. Use only a sip of water to take your medicine
• You may brush your teeth, without swallowing any water
• Wear clean, comfortable, loose fitting clothing
• Do not wear makeup, nail polish, jewelry or body piercings

 What to bring:

• Insurance Cards
• Physician and Insurance Referrals
• Copy of your Advanced Directive/Living Will if needed for your Medical Record
• A Responsible Adult to Accompany You Home

 Nurse Interview:

A Registered Nurse will review with you your history and complete a short physical assessment that includes, temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respirations. She may listen to your heart, lungs and touch your extremities checking for pulses and skin temperature.

You will be asked to change into hospital attire, which includes a gown, robe, slippers and cap. Medication may be administered if ordered by your physician. A patient identification bracelet will be placed on your wrist.

 Following Your Procedure:

Once your procedure is complete, patients go to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit where monitoring is conducted by skilled nurses.

When ready, patients return to the Ambulatory Care Center where your visitors may join you. Patients are offered liquids and light refreshments and continue to rest until ready to be discharged.

 Going Home, After Discharge Instructions:

You will be released from the Medical Center only with your physician's approval. If your condition changes, you may be admitted to the medical center.

Upon discharge you will be given a copy of instructions about the care that you will require at home, which may include medication, dietary restrictions, exercise therapy, or physical restrictions. We suggest that you do not drive or operate machinery, consume alcohol or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours.

You will receive a follow-up phone call from a ambulatory center nurse after your discharge to ensure that your recovery is proceeding as expected.

If you experience any of the following problems after discharge you should contact your physician immediately:

• A fever of 101 or higher within 2 days of surgery
• Shortness of Breath
• Significant or persistent nausea or vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Signs and Symptoms of Infection: including swelling, redness, drainage, or pain
• Lightheadedness

*If you experience any of these problems, and your physician is unavailable, you should go to the nearest Emergency Department.

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