Day of Surgery

What grooming steps should I follow prior to arrival to help prevent infection? Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:

• Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth.
• Do not shave or clip the area where the surgery will be done unless your physician directs you to do so.
• Rinse well to remove all soap.
• Dry your body with a clean towel.
• Do not use lotions, creams, powders, cosmetics or nail polish.
• Make sure your hair is dry prior to arriving. Pull back long hair with an elastic band.
• For your comfort and safety, wear loose clothing that is easy to get off and on and that will fit over a dressing.
• Do not wear jewelry (including body piercings) or metal hair accessories.
• Leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.

Should I take my routine medications on the day of surgery?

You will be given instructions regarding medications by your physician. Also, please bring a list all medications you are taking, and be sure to bring any of your routine medications with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g.., inhaler or insulin).

What should I bring?

Please bring the following:

• Photo identification (such as a driver’s license)
• Insurance card(s) including Medicare and/or Medicaid cards if applicable. Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your surgery.
• Cash, check or a credit card for your co-pays (depending on your insurance.)
• A completed Living Will (if you have one.)
• A list of all drugs you are currently taking.
• If you use an asthma or other lung inhaler, be sure to bring it with you.
• Please bring cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.
• If you are bringing a small child or infant be sure to bring diapers or any other supplies the infant will need.

DO NOT bring or wear valuables. Your healthcare team will be busy looking after you and cannot be responsible for your articles.

When should I arrive?

You will receive instructions regarding arrival time from your surgeon or the center’s staff. It is important that you arrive at the designated time.

What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?

• We will review your insurance information and inform you of any co-pays. Depending on your insurance co-pays may be collected at this time or billed to you.
• You will also be given information about anesthesia, physicians and the facility, which includes an acknowledgement of these various providers contributing to your care and the potentials for separate billings.

What happens after I check-in?

A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment and you will be prepared for surgery, taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress. We understand the anxiety family and friends will have while you are having your procedure. We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to re-join you after the procedure.

What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?

A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.

Will I see my physician prior to surgery?

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you. Please feel free at this time to ask any questions regarding your procedure. You’ll learn about your anesthesia, the medication that will help to keep you comfortable during your procedure. Anesthesia will be provided based on your surgery type, your health status and your anesthesiologist. All anesthesiologist are medical doctors with special training in the field of anesthesiology.

What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct surgical site?

Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed that require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure and the correct surgical site. Your surgeon will mark the site prior to your procedure.

What can I do to help prevent a surgical site infection?

Make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash hands frequently while at the facility. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your healthcare team at the facility if they have washed their hands!

Can I use my cell phone?

Cell phone use is limited to the lobby.

Can I smoke?

No. We advise against smoking or using other tobacco products on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

How long can my family stay with me prior to my procedure?

This will depend upon a number of factors. However, we believe that familiar faces can assist in reducing your anxiety about the procedure, so please do not hesitate to inform the nurse that you would like a friend or family member to sit with you. Your family will be shown where to wait during your surgery. No family may be permitted in the operating room during the surgery.

Can my child keep a special blanket or stuffed animal to ease his/her fears?

Absolutely. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. Also, bring your child’s bottle or “sippy cup” for after surgery if they cannot drink from a regular cup.

When will my surgery start?

Waiting times before your procedure starts will vary. Occasionally a delay will occur. The patient’s surgery ahead of you could take longer than scheduled or there may be an emergency and your physician is needed outside of surgery. We will try to keep you informed and your patience is appreciated.

Hospital Parking

North Central is open 24/7 to ensure your needs are met at all time. Visitors are welcome anytime. For your convenience, the parking garage is open 24 hours a day for visitor parking. We also offer complimentary valet parking services to our patients. Valet validation is required. Valet tickets can be validated at any registration departments in the hospital.