Pen Bay Medical Center offers the following information for patients preparing for surgery.

AT YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE

• All patients undergoing surgery will have a pre-admission assessment with a Registered Nurse. This will be performed either in-person or by phone 1-2 weeks before your surgery date. If an office appointment is necessary, the Pre-Admission Testing department will call you to schedule it.

PRE-ADMISSION INTERVIEW/TESTING

Please have the following information available for your interview with the Pre-Admission nurse:

• A list of your current medications, dosages, and frequencies
• Your past medical history including surgeries
• Results of any special testing, i.e. stress test, echocardiogram, pulmonary function testing, sleep study

BEFORE SURGERY DAY

• You may be contacted by a Patient Registration clerk (Pre-Registration) to update your insurance and demographic information.
• You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital, and to be with you at home overnight after surgery.

ADMISSION DAY DO’S & DON’TS

DO

• Bring a friend or family member with you, if you wish
• Come directly to the Day Surgery Unit (no need to register first)
• Bring hearing aides, eyeglasses and a glasses case
• Make arrangements for a ride home after your surgery and have help at home

DO NOT

• Eat or drink anything past midnight the night before surgery (except small sips of water to swallow medicines if you have been specifically instructed to take them)
• Wear makeup or jewelry
• Bring valuables to the hospital
• Smoke the morning of surgery

IN THE OPERATING ROOM

Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will greet you before you receive medication. All procedures will be explained to you.

Once you are on the OR table:

• You will have a warm blanket
• You will always have someone at your side.
• For safety, your identification will be verified throughout your stay.

IN THE POST-ANESTHESIA UNIT

Your nurse will give you medication to make you more comfortable. Your vital signs will be monitored frequently. After your recovery period, you will be transferred to the Day Surgery Unit or to your hospital room to complete your recovery.

FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The surgeon will contact you after the surgery to inform you of your loved one’s condition. Please let the nurse know where you will be or leave a phone number where you can be reached.

For More Information: Download our Pre-Admission Testing brochure.

2012-11-12