When you arrive, please check in at the reception desk. Our receptionist will briefly verify your registration information, insurance coverage and payment arrangements, and ask for your signature on the necessary forms. Next, your nurse will escort you to your private room where preparation for your procedure will occur. Until it is time for your surgery, a family member or friend is welcome to stay with you. A parent or guardian must stay with a child under the age of 18.
Once in your room you will be asked to change into a gown and robe. A brief health history will be taken, as well as your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and breathing rate). If preoperative testing is necessary, it will be completed at this time. Any preoperative medication ordered by your physician will be given as well. Your nurse will review your discharge instructions with you and your family. You will also be visited by your anesthesiologist and surgeon and have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions you may have.
When it is time for your procedure, your family will be asked to return to the lobby. At this time your surgical nurse will briefly interview you and escort you to the surgery suite. If able, you will walk with your nurse; otherwise you may be transported by either wheelchair or cart. Once in the surgical suite you will receive your anesthetic and your procedure will begin. The amount of time you spend in surgery is dependent upon your particular procedure.
Your family and friends are a very important part of your care. For this reason, we ask them to remain within or near the lobby. If for any reason they need to leave the building, they should notify the receptionist. The lobby area provides telephone, TV, magazines, a children’s area and coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Public restrooms are located on the first floor of the Unity Medical Pavilions.
After surgery, depending on your type of anesthetic, you will be observed by the nurses while the effects of your anesthetic diminish. You will spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes in recovery.
You will be returned to your private room once your condition is stabilized. If you have had general anesthesia, you may still feel “sleepy,” but your friend or family member is welcome to rejoin you. Parents may return to their child. Once you are feeling more alert, your nurse will again review discharge instructions with you and your family member or friend.
When your surgeon or anesthesiologist has determined you are ready to go home, your family member or friend will be welcome to get the car and pull it up to the front.