Before Surgery

Pre-admission phone call
A registered nurse will call you before your surgery. The nurse will:

• Remind you of your arrival time;
• Give you fasting and other instructions for the day of surgery;
• Evaluate your health needs;
• Check that you completed all necessary tests before you arrive;
• Answer questions.

You may want to write down your questions and keep them near the phone in anticipation of this call. You should receive the call by 4:30 p.m. the day before your surgery. If your surgery is scheduled for Monday, we will call you Friday. If you don’t receive this call, please call us at (320) 656-7182 or (800) 835-6652, ext. 57617.

Personalized care
During the pre-admission phone call, the nurse will assess your personal needs. Let us know if you have special circumstances, such as allergies or problems with care after leaving the hospital. The nurse will work closely with hospital staff or other organizations to meet your needs. In some
instances, we have dedicated case managers to assist you from the beginning to the end of your hospital stay. We have case managers for orthopedics, neurology, bariatrics and general surgery.

Day of Surgery

Our location
We are located on the south end of St. Cloud Hospital on Level A. The entrance to the south building (Lobby A) is at the intersection of Sixth Avenue North and 13th Street North. Turn into the 13th Street one-way driveway immediately in front of the south building. Your family or friends can drop you off at Lobby A before parking. A receptionist at the information desk inside will guide you to the Center for Surgical Care.

Parking
Valet parking may be available weekdays 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If not available, your family and friends may park on Levels 1 and 2 of the attached South Parking Ramp. They can reach the ramp via the 13th Street one-way driveway by following the South Parking Ramp signs. They should take the elevator or stairs on the north end of the ramp to Level 2. A skywalk on Level 2 leads to the south building. Follow signs to the Center for Surgical Care.

At the Center for Surgical Care

What to bring
We suggest you wear casual, comfortable clothing. If you will be admitted for an overnight stay, we will carry your belongings to your hospital room. Please leave valuables or money at home. We recommend children bring a favorite toy or blanket. You may bring CDs, videos or DVDs to help you relax.

Preparation for surgery
Please arrive promptly at the time given to you by the nurse. Preparation for your surgery will begin as soon as you arrive. We will escort you to a comfortable room where you and your family and friends will stay until you go to surgery.

You will change into a surgical gown, robe and slippers. Our staff members will respect your comfort and dignity at all times. We will store your belongings while you are in surgery.

An anesthesiologist will visit to discuss your anesthesia and answer any questions. Anesthesia is the medicine that puts you to sleep before surgery. When it is time for your procedure, we will escort you to the operating room. Depending on the anesthesia you receive, you may not
remember this part of your stay.

While you are in the operating room, we will show your family and friends to a waiting area. They may want to visit the nearby cafeteria, gift shop, chapel, serenity room or outpatient pharmacy.

Parents present for anesthesia
If your child is having surgery, we want you to spend as much time as possible with your child. One parent is welcome to stay with your child through the start of anesthesia. This experience is often very positive and comforting for both the child and parents. Should you choose to be present for anesthesia, we will prepare and guide you through the process.

After Surgery

Following surgery, we will take you to the recovery room. Our registered nursing staff will closely monitor you. With your O.K., your doctor will make every effort to update your family and friends on your condition.

Inpatient surgery
If your procedure requires an overnight stay, we will admit you directly to the hospital after your time in the recovery room. Your family and friends may join you in your room.

Outpatient surgery
If you are going home, you will leave the recovery room and return to the Center for Surgical Care. Your family and friends may join you in your room. You will rest in a comfortable recliner. A nurse will monitor your physical readiness for discharge and give you something to eat and drink.

We will answer your questions and give you written instructions about caring for yourself at home. You should expect to feel lightheaded and sleepy for several hours after surgery.

Please arrange for an adult to drive you home. Someone should stay with you the night of your surgery to assist you with personal needs. If you have young children, we recommend you have someone watch them for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

For a day after your surgery, do not:

• Operate a motor vehicle or machinery;
• Drink alcoholic beverages;
• Take any medications not prescribed by your doctor.

You should not sign any legal documents for up to 72 hours following your surgery.

At Home

Post-admission phone call
We will call you at home after your surgery to ask:

• How are you doing?
• Do you have questions?
• Are you following your doctor’s discharge instructions?
• Do you have suggestions for improving the surgical experience?

We know the days following surgery can be overwhelming. Use this phone call to clarify the education you received while in the hospital.