All patients having elective surgery at Renfrew Victoria Hospital will be seen pre-operatively on an outpatient basis. All patients will have the required pre-op tests done before their surgery, preferably as close to the surgery date as possible.
The goal of the Clinic is:
- to ensure the quality of care;
- to allow the patient more control over his pre-operative preparation;
- to answer queries and therefore decrease some anxiety (Tips for Patients and Families);
- to better coordinate the client's needs.
Instructions for patients who must undergo a surgical operation
Before your surgery:
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the evening before your surgery.
- Don't chew gum the morning of your surgery.
- If you have been told to take your medication, take it with a very small sip of water.
- Take a bath or shower and clean your navel thoroughly with Q-tips if your surgery is on your abdomen.
- Leave all jewelry (including body piercing jewelry, metal items, hair clips and money) at home.
- Remove nail polish and contact lenses.
- Do not apply make-up on the morning of your surgery.
- You can brush your teeth or gargle the morning of your surgery but do not swallow anything.
- Apply antiperspirant or deodorant only if your surgery isn't in the area of your underarms.
- Wear loose fitting clothing to be more comfortable following your surgery.
- Pre-arrange transportation home and it is recommended that someone stays with you overnight.
- Bring all your medications.
On Admission:
- Arrive at tyhe RVH Day Surgery Unit on 2nd floor and a nurse will greet you.
- You may have one attendant accompany you. The attendant must wait in the waiting room of the hospital.
- You will be asked to put on a hospital gown.
- A nurse will record your weight, temperature and blood pressure.
- You will be placed on a stretcher and covered with a blanket.
- Your file will be completed and any questions you may have will be answered.
- If needed, a nurse will shave the area to be operated on and start an intravenous.
- Your dentures and/or eye glasses will be removed just prior to your surgery.
After Your Surgery:
Your blue card will be returned to you upon discharge along with instructions concerning the medication to take, dressing and instructions to follow.
If you are going home on the same day as your surgery:
- Please ensure that at all times, we can contact a responsible person to take you home.
- It is recommended that you NOT stay alone for a period of 24 hours and you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours.
- If you are being admitted overnight following your surgery, the person accompanying you will be responsible for your personal possessions.
