What to Bring to the Hospital

• Valid identification card, insurance card and/or Medicare card.
• Any advance directive, such as your living will or durable power of attorney for health care if you have one.
• Glasses and hearing aids so you can read and communicate. Bring cases for glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids since they will be removed before surgery.
• If you use portable oxygen at home, bring it with you.

If you will be staying at the hospital, bring:

• Toiletry items you would like.
• CPAP sleep apnea machine if you use one.
• Do not bring valuables such as jewelry, purse, wallet or credit cards.

Children having surgery:

• Bring diapers and bottles for your child if necessary.
• You may bring a special toy or blanket with them.

Same-day Surgery Unit

You will have a private room and bathroom. You will be asked to change into a gown and slippers from the hospital. A nurse will get you ready for surgery, including finishing your preoperative skin washes, and an IV will be started in a vein in your arm or hand.

Inpatient Unit

Your hospital care team will help you get ready for surgery. You will complete preoperative washes to get your skin ready for surgery. Your team will also give you clean bedding and a clean hospital gown before your surgery.

Anesthesia

You will meet a member of the anesthesia team the day of surgery. Anesthesia is provided by highly trained anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists who will administer your anesthesia and closely monitor your response to the medications.

Companion Waiting

When it is time for surgery, you will be taken to a receiving area to meet your surgical team. Your companion will be instructed where to wait on the day of your procedure. The surgeon will often speak with your companion after surgery.

Recovery Room/Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Most patients are taken to the recovery room (PACU) once surgery is complete. You will be closely monitored by specially trained nurses who will monitor you for at least 30 minutes depending on how you respond to surgery.