Program Details
What to Expect
On arrival, if you are here for a surgical procedure, please check in at the kiosk located by the Switchboard office inside the main entrance. Please follow the directions on the kiosk. You may then proceed to the Outpatient Clinic reception area located across from the Emergency Department waiting area. The Admissions Clerk will provide you with additional information.
If you are scheduled for a clinic appointment (assessment, follow-up, etc.), the surgical clinic space is located in the Lower Level Clinic. You can use the entrance located on the north-west side of the building. There is patient parking indicated, and yellow signage directing you to the entrance.
Bring a list of all medications taken on a regular basis and be prepared to answer questions about your medical history (e.g., allergies, surgeries, medical diagnoses). You will be instructed in advance which medications to take and/or adjust in preparation for surgery.
It is extremely important that you do not eat or drink anything from midnight until you come to the Hospital. You will be instructed about the timing for drinking clear fluids in advance. Do not drink anything thick, with pulp, or containing dairy. Failing to follow these instructions could result in your case being cancelled and rescheduled for another day.
Please remove all nail polish, false nails, make-up, lash extensions, and jewelry (including piercings) before coming to the Hospital. Please leave all valuables such as money, jewelry, and credit cards at home, but remember to bring your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Card.
Once checked in, you will change into a hospital gown. Please bring a reusable bag in which to place your clothes and belongings. These will be stored safely and returned to you after your procedure.
You will be asked questions and assessed pre-operatively by a nurse. If a second adult is required to help answer questions about your health or provide consent, please inform the Operating Room in advance when you are called with your arrival time to allow for appropriate planning on the day of surgery.
You will also meet your anesthesiologist before the procedure, who will ask questions and explain the anesthesia procedures and medications you are to receive.
You will see your surgeon before going into the Operating Room and will be given an opportunity to ask questions.
Post-operative instructions will be reviewed with you in detail prior to discharge.
After your surgery, you are not permitted to operate a vehicle for 24 hours, as some of the medications you receive render you legally impaired.
You must be discharged into the care of a responsible adult. Please plan to have an adult remain with you overnight. Failing to have a designated driver or responsible adult to accompany you will result in your case being cancelled and rescheduled on another day.
Your designated driver will be notified shortly before you are discharged; they may park at the front of the Hospital to pick you up.
Follow the instructions that you were given regarding post-operative care and the need for a follow-up visit with the surgeon.
If you have any concerns during your stay, please mention them to the Nursing Staff.
Should you feel that you have a problem that requires immediate assistance, please telephone your doctor. If they are not available, proceed to the Emergency Department at your local hospital.
