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Highlands Regional Medical Center offers many surgical procedures ranging from Same day/ Outpatient procedures to more in-depth surgeries which require a hospital stay . If you are scheduled for a surgical procedure at Highlands, we hope to make your experience a positive one. To insure your experience is positive, we ask that you carefully follow the instructions listed below.
We have a designated parking area for our outpatient surgery patients located in the front of the hospital. Please enter through the main entrance of the Hospital ( near the cafeteria). A gust services representative will escort you to the outpatient surgery area.
Prior to your procedure you will speak with a surgical nurse and have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your concerns. This interview will take place either over the telephone or during a pre-operative visit to the Medical Center scheduled by your surgeon.
It is critical that you have nothing to eat
or drink after 12 midnight the night before your surgery. Keep
your stomach empty. No gum, mints or hard candy are allowed.
When you brush your teeth, do not swallow the water. To be put
to sleep with food or liquid in your stomach is extremely dangerous.
Also, by avoiding food or drink, the risk of a post-operative
nausea reaction will be greatly reduced. Your surgery
will be canceled if you do not follow these instructions.
Children 6 years or under: No solid food or milk after
midnight. However, small amounts (less than ½ glass)
of water or clear liquids ( such as apple juice) would be acceptable
until 4 AM the morning of surgery.
Do not smoke, use chewing tobacco or snuff the evening prior to and the morning of surgery.
On the morning of surgery, take your Heart, Blood Pressure,
and/or Breathing Medications as directed with a sip
of water. Do not take Fluid Pills the morning
of surgery. Stop Anticoagulant (blood thinners)
and aspirin type medications five to seven
days before surgery if directed to do so.
For Diabetics : DO NOT take any insulin
or blood sugar lowering drugs unless
your doctor has specifically told you to take them on the morning
of surgery.
Please prepare a list of your current medications to bring with you on the day of your pre-operative visit and/or day of surgery. Please include any over-the-counter medications.
A responsible adult should accompany you to the hospital, remain with you, and then drive you home. A responsible adult should also stay with you for 24 hours following surgery.
We invite your family members or friends to stay with you in the Out-Patient Department until you are ready to go into the operating room.
Parents are allowed to stay with small children until surgery time. Once the patient has gone into surgery, the family member or friend may wait in the outpatient waiting area. The doctor will come and talk to them as soon as your procedure is over.
Dress comfortably, preferably a loose fitting shirt or blouse that opens down the front.
All jewelry and contact lenses must be removed
before surgery, please leave them at home. Remember to bring
a case for your glasses. A denture cup will be provided.
Do not wear make-up, nail polish, artificial nails or eyelashes. Do not bring any valuables with you ( including credit cards, etc.).
Please bring your insurance card to the hospital with you on the day of your pre-operative visit and/or the day of your surgery.
Take a shower or bath and wash your hair the night before or the morning of your surgery. Get a good night's sleep before your operation.
You may wish to bring something to read or do while you wait. Children can bring their favorite toy or book with them.
If you are experiencing any health changes such as cold or flu, or increased temperature, please contact your surgeon's office.
Please call 886-7511 or 1-800-533-4762 ext.7551
between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM one business day before
your surgery is scheduled to confirm the time of your surgery.
Changes in the operating room schedule may be made in the days
before your surgery.
REPORT TO OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION THE MORNING OF SURGERY
Outpatients (who are discharged the day of their surgery) receive a follow-up phone call from a registered nurse one or two days after discharge. During the call, patients and care givers have the opportunity to ask questions about diet, medications, exercise and other aspects of recovery. We want to make sure you are doing well and following your doctor's instructions.
WE, THE STAFF OF HIGHLANDS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER ARE
GLAD YOU CHOSE US TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SURGICAL NEEDS DURING
THIS IMPORTANT TIME. At any time, feel free to contact
us at the above telephone number with questions regarding your
planned surgery. Our business hours are 7:00 AM to 4:30
PM, Monday through Friday.
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