We are dedicated to patients like you who need quality surgical care. Our Pre-admission Program has been designed to take care of your needs prior to the day of admission.
At Uniontown Hospital, we realize that you have individual needs and concerns about your surgery. Our staff has all the specialized training it takes to answer any questions that may arise. Our goal is to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
This guide has been provided to give you general information about your hospital stay and instructions that you must follow for your scheduled surgery.
So that all is ready when you arrive for surgery at Uniontown Hospital, it is necessary for you to visit the hospital before admission. To schedule an appointment, our Pre-Admission Nurse will contact you, or you may contact the Pre-Admission Office at (724) 430-5930.
On the day of your Pre-Admission visit, please report to the Information Desk in the main lobby at your scheduled appointment time.
To keep your Pre-Admission visit as brief as possible, please follow these instructions:
- Bring your insurance cards and any necessary referrals.
- Bring a list of current medications.
- Bring diagnostic checklist (Lab Slip).
- Please dress casually and comfortably. Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to have any of the following:
- Laboratory tests
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- During your Pre-Admission visit, you will be interviewed by one of our anesthesiologists. Our anesthesia staff employs the latest anesthesia techniques to not only minimize pain, but also assist in quick recovery from the anesthetic. Your Anesthesiologist specializes in administering and monitoring anesthesia during your operation. Before surgery, he or she will talk with you and your Surgeon to determine the appropriate anesthetic for you.
You will also be interviewed by a Registered Nurse. Please be prepared to ask any questions and also listen to instructions that will be given to you. The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you'll be for your surgery.
What Not to Do Before Your Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery. The morning of your surgery, you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water. If you eat or drink after midnight, your surgery will be cancelled.
- You may be instructed by the nurse to take some medications prior to surgery.
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before your surgery.
- Do not wear makeup, hairpins, nail polish, jewelry or any body piercings to the hospital. Wigs, toupees, dentures, glasses and contact lenses may be worn to the hospital, but must be removed just prior to your surgery.
- Do not bring a purse, money or other valuables with you.
- Do not bring children; they tend to become tired and restless.
What to Do Before Your Surgery
- Notify your Surgeon if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, fever or any other illness prior to your surgery.
- Bathe or shower the night before or the morning of surgery. Wear casual and comfortable clothing. We will provide you with a hospital gown, robe and slippers. If you wish, you can bring your own pajamas/gown, robe and slippers for use during you hospital stay.
- Bring a list of the medications you are presently taking.
- Children can bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal or security blanket for added reassurance.
The afternoon before your surgery, a Registered Nurse will call and inform you of the arrival time for your surgery. He or she will also review instructions and answer any questions you may have.
When you come in for your surgery, please park your car in the lot across from the main entrance to the hospital. Enter through the front entrance of the hospital and report to the SameDay Surgery Department at your scheduled time. Remember to bring your insurance cards with you.
Family and friends may wait in the SameDay Surgery reception area on the third floor. Since space is limited we ask that only one person come with you. Two adults may accompany children. A Recovery Room clerk will call the SameDay Surgery reception area to inform family and friends of your arrival to and discharge from the Recovery Room.
One to two hours before surgery, you will be escorted to the Pre-Operative Area. Your clothes will be stored in a locker. One adult may stay with you in the Pre-Operative Area. Both parents may stay with a child.
A Registered Nurse will take your blood pressure, pulse and temperature and will complete any special preparations ordered by your doctor.
You will be visited by your Anesthesiologist, and an IV (a catheter that goes into a vein to give you fluids during surgery) will be inserted by a nurse or a Nurse Anesthetist. An Operating Room Nurse and a Nurse Anesthetist will be with you in the operating room. They will stay with you during your surgery and will take you to the Recovery Room.
All patients go to the Recovery Room after their surgery. In the Recovery Room, you will be closely monitored by a Recovery Room Nurse. You will be encouraged to breathe deeply and cough.
How long you stay in the Recovery Room depends on your condition and the type of surgery that you have had. It is normal to feel drowsy after your surgery. It is normal to have some pain after surgery. Medication is available to help reduce your pain.
When you are fully awake and your Anesthesiologist feels you are ready, you will be taken to your room on one of the inpatient nursing units.
When you get to your room, you will meet your nurse. You will again be encouraged to take deep breaths and cough. This will help your lungs expand and prevent complications. Your nurse will assist you with activities that will help your circulation. These activities range from turning from side to side in bed, to walking in the hallway. Again, it is normal to feel pain after surgery. Please feel free to ask your nurse for medication. Your nurse will make sure that you and your family know how to care for your needs at home before you are discharged.
We hope this information has helped answer any questions you might have. If you have any other questions, please call us at (724) 430-5930.
