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Patient Resources |
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Departments & Services > Preoperative Services > Patient Resources |
PATIENT RESOURCES
Fletcher Allen Health Care's Preoperative Program services all patients needing anesthesia for their procedure or surgery. This page is designed to familiarize you and your family with our program and some of what you can expect prior to and on the day of your surgery. All of us at Fletcher Allen Health Care, from the admitting clerk to the nurse who assists you with your discharge, want to make your journey through this experience a smooth process. We are pleased to answer any questions you may have and help you with any problems. Feel free to call our office with questions or comments, Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00am - 5:00pm at 802-847-5400 or toll free at 866-526-7567.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN INPATIENT SURGICAL PATIENT
For the printable Adobe Acrobat Format "What to expect as an inpatient surgical patient" please click here.
You will be having a surgical procedure at Fletcher Allen Health Care that requires (at least) an overnight hospitalization. In order to make your stay as short and as comfortable as possible, this instruction sheet has been prepared for your convenience. The instructions contained in this document are important to ensure a safe surgical procedure and early discharge home.
Preparing at home before surgery
Follow the fasting (eating or drinking) guidelines given to you by your physician.
Shower or bathe the night before and again on the morning of your surgery with an antibacterial soap, since this practice can decrease your risk of an infection.
Wear casual, comfortable, loose clothing such as sweat suits, easy button shirts or blouses.
Remove all makeup and nail polish.
Bring an eyeglass case or contact lens case if you wear corrective lenses.
Please leave all valuables, money, and jewelry at home. Remove all rings.
Follow the instructions you were given about your medications. Bring inhalers, nebulizers, and insulin to the hospital.
Please call your surgeon’s office or pre-op services at 802 847-5400 with any questions.
Single patients under the age of 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian in the hospital at ALL times on the day of surgery, from the time of admission until discharge either home or to an inpatient bed.
Bring any special items needed (crutches, pillows for ride home).
Please make arrangements the day before your anticipated discharge to have your ride arrive a half hour before your scheduled discharge time.
Arrange for a responsible adult to go home with you and to stay with you overnight your first night home.
Notify your doctor if you become ill before surgery, or develop a blemish, cut, rash, or abrasion on or around your operative area.
When you arrive for surgery
Please arrive at Fletcher Allen Health Care per the time specified by your physician’s office. This will allow us adequate time to prepare you for your surgery. Your surgery will be scheduled either on the MCHV campus or on the Fanny Allen Campus.
After registering in Admitting, you will be sent to the Surgical Admission area where you will be prepared for your surgery. You will change into a hospital gown or pajamas. Your health status will be updated and an I.V. (intravenous fluid) will be started. If an intravenous is needed on a child, it may be started in the operating room after the child is asleep.
You will meet one of the anesthesia staff who will be with you during your surgery. They will ask you some questions and finalize your anesthesia plan of care.
You will be moved into the operating room on a stretcher.
A designated family waiting area at each campus is staffed by a receptionist who will take your family’s name as they enter. Your surgeon will speak with them after your surgery. Please note that there is limited waiting area and we recommend only one or two family members accompany the patient.
After your surgery – recovery
You will first be transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Most of the time you will stay in PACU between 1-4 hours after your surgery and then be transferred to your room on the floor. ICU patients will go directly to that nursing unit on the third floor of the McClure wing. Total recovery time varies from procedure to procedure
Adult parents or significant others are appropriate visitors in the PACU as visitation is limited to ensure safe quality care. Please try and make suitable arrangements for children under the age of 18 during the post operative waiting period for their safety and comfort.
After your surgery – discharge
The staff and your doctor will notify you one day before your anticipated discharge. Nursing staff (assisted by Case Managers and Social Workers if appropriate) will help to make sure you have everything you need, including medications and written discharge instructions. On the day of discharge, you will go home in the morning. Please have your ride to arrive a half hour earlier than your scheduled discharge time. All patients must leave the hospital accompanied by a responsible adult driver.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN OUTPATIENT SURGICAL PATIENT
For the printable Adobe Acrobat Format "What to expect as an outpatient surgical patient" please click here.
Fletcher Allen Health Care's Outpatient Surgery program is a service offered to those patients in the community who require minor surgical treatment which can be safely completed in one day's time, therefore not requiring overnight hospitalization. The service permits the patient to have surgery and to go home the same day.
In order to make your stay as short and as comfortable as possible, this instruction sheet has been prepared for your convenience. The instructions contained in this document are important to ensure a safe surgical procedure and early discharge home.
Preparing at home for surgery
Follow the fasting (eating or drinking) guidelines given to you by your physician.
Shower or bathe the night before and again on the morning of your surgery with an antibacterial soap, since this practice can decrease your risk of an infection.
Wear casual, comfortable, loose clothing such as sweat suits, easy button shirts or blouses.
Remove all makeup and nail polish.
Bring an eyeglass case or contact lens case if you wear corrective lenses.
Please leave all valuables, money, and jewelry at home. Remove all rings.
Follow the instructions you were given about your medications. Bring inhalers, nebulizers, and insulin to the hospital.
Please call your surgeon’s office or pre-op services at 802 847-5400 with any questions.
Single patients under the age of 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian in the hospital at ALL times on the day of surgery, from the time of admission until discharge either home or to an inpatient bed.
Bring any special items needed (crutches, pillows for ride home).
In order to coordinate your care, please ensure your ride arrives a half hour before your expected discharge time.
Arrange for a responsible adult to go home with you and to stay with you overnight.
Notify your doctor if you become ill before surgery, or develop a blemish, cut, rash, or abrasion on or around your operative area.
When you arrive for surgery
Please arrive at Fletcher Allen Health Care per the time specified by your physician’s office. This will allow us adequate time to prepare you for your surgery. Your surgery will be scheduled either on the MCHV campus or on the Fanny Allen Campus.
After registering in Admitting, you will be sent to the Surgical Admission area where you will be prepared for your surgery. You will change into a hospital gown or pajamas. Your health status will be updated and an I.V. (intravenous fluid) will be started. If an intravenous is needed on a child, it will be started in the operating room after the child is asleep.
You will meet one of the anesthesia staff who will be with you during your surgery. They will ask you some questions and finalize your anesthesia plan of care.
You will be moved into the operating room on a stretcher.
A designated family waiting area at each campus is staffed by a receptionist who will take your family’s name as they enter. Your surgeon will speak with them after your surgery.
After your surgery – recovery
You will be transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). When having outpatient surgery, most of the time you can go home between 1-4 hours after your surgery. Total recovery time varies from procedure to procedure. If you require extended recovery time, you can expect to be moved to the Post Procedure Recovery Unit (PPR) until your physician and nurse have determined that it is safe for you to go home.
If your physician determines that you require additional observation or a longer time to recover, you will be admitted and moved to an inpatient unit overnight. When this occurs, depending on the type of surgery you have, the hospital will bill your insurance as an outpatient subject to the benefits in your insurance plan.
Adult parents or significant others are appropriate visitors in the PACU as visitation is limited to ensure safe quality care. Please try and make suitable arrangements for children under the age of 18 during the post operative waiting period for their safety and comfort. If you are transferred to the PPR, your family will be able to join you in this area.
All patients must leave the hospital accompanied by a responsible adult driver after anesthesia or sedation. For the first 24 hour period after receiving sedation or anesthesia, you should NOT make important decisions, drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol.
Note: In some cases you may be sent home but directed to follow up in the doctor’s office within a day or two. If you live locally, this should not be a problem. However, if you live further away, you may be asked to make arrangements for motel/hotel accommodations in the Burlington area. You can find this information on www.FAHC.org under the Patients and Visitors tab/Visitor’s guide/Community Information/Hotel, Motel & lodging.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Directions and Parking
Please refer to the visitor's guide for directions to both the Medical Center Campus and the Fanny Allen Campus.
Pre-Registration
You can expect to receive a phone call from our Pre-Registration Department the day before your surgery. Pre-Registering will speed you admission on the day of surgery. The representative will also have information regarding and insurance co-pay or deductible fees due on admission. Please still check-in at the Registration Department when you arrive for your surgery. They will give you and your family information and apply your identification bracelet.
Registration
Once you've arrived at the hospital, you'll go directly to Registration which is located in the main lobby at both the Medical Center Campus and the Fanny Allen Campus. Be sure to bring your health insurance information, your hospital card (if you have one) and payment for any insurance co-pay and/or deductible charges due on admission. After you register you will be directed to the Surgical Admissions area.
Surgical Family Waiting Area
A designated family waiting area at each campus is staffed by a receptionist who will take your family’s name. Your surgeon will speak to them after your surgery is completed. At the Medical Center Campus, please feel free to visit the Frymoyer Community Health Resource Center located near the Registration department on Level 3, Main Pavilion. The Resource Center can help people find health information. The service is free and available to all Fletcher Allen patients, family members, staff and the community.
Advanced Directives
Vermont Ethics Network
89 Main Street
Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620
Phone: 802-828-2909
Vermont Ethics Network publishes the "Taking Steps" booklet which provides information on Advance Directives such as a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Advanced Directives are used to guide your medical care when you cannot speak for yourself. Vermont standard form for DPOA and Living Will along with worksheets to assist with decision making are included. If you would like assistance on how to complete the Advance Directive document(s), please call Patient and Family Advocacy at 802-847-3553 and someone will assist you.
Language Assistance
Sign and spoken language interpreters are available for people receiving care at Fletcher Allen Health Care. Please contact Patient and Family Services at (802) 847-5826, Monday – Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
Parents of Pediatric Patients
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Begin to talk with your child about his/her upcoming hospitalization. Do not give your child more details than they can absorb. There are many books available in your local bookstore that will help prepare your child for his/her trip to the hospital.
Fanny Allen Children's Waiting Room
- Remember - be honest with your child. You can tell them that they may have some pain after their operation but it won't last long and pain medicines will be ordered. We have found that the more prepared a child is before surgery, the smoother and less stressful is the recovery period.
- Your child may be frightened of his/her surgical experience. Children often have the wrong idea of what will happen to them. Encourage them to talk about their fears so they can deal with it prior to their procedure. You may wish to bring a favorite toy or blanket to give your child a sense of security.
- You will be able to remain with your child before surgery and immediately after surgery.
- We offer a "Parent to OR" program - generally for children over one year of age receiving general anesthesia. The preoperative nurse will speak with you about this program at your prescreen call or onsite visit.
- If your child is bottle-fed, please bring a bottle of formula or an empty bottle for juice. If your child uses a sippy cup, please bring it with you as it's nice to have something familiar in the recovery room.
- If your child has been recently exposed to chicken pox, measles, mumps, etc., please call Preop Services at 802-847-5400 or toll free at 1-866-526-7567 between 7:30am - 5:00pm.
Patient Responsibilities
PLEASE...
- Follow the eating and drinking guidelines given to you.
- Bring any paperwork requested with you.
- Shower or bathe the night before and again on the morning of your surgery with an antibacterial soap. Remove all makeup and nail polish. Do not use any alcohol-based hair products.
- Bring an eyeglass case or contact lens case if you wear corrective lenses.
- Leave all valuables, money and jewelry at home. Remove all rings.
- Follow the instructions you were given about your medications. Bring inhalers and nebulizers to the hospital.
- Arrive promptly at your scheduled time.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to go home with you and to stay with you overnight.
- Single patients under the age of 18 MUST have a parent or legal guardian in the hospital at ALL times on the day of surgery, from the time of admission until discharge either home or to an inpatient bed.
- Notify your doctor if you become ill before your surgery, or develop a blemish, cut, rash or abrasion on or around your operative area.
- Bring any special items needed such as crutches and/or pillows for the ride home.
- If, because of religious beliefs, you do not wish to receive blood or blood products during your surgery, please discuss this with your doctor and anesthesiologist before surgery.
Pharmacy Services
If you have prescription needs when you leave the hospital, you my have them filled at either the Fletcher Allen Pharmacy (located at both campuses) or at the pharmacy of your choice. The hours of the Pharmacy at the Fanny Allen Campus are 8:30am-5:30pm. The hours of the Pharmacy at the Medical Center Campus are 7:30am-6:30pm (Monday – Friday) and 9:00am-2:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday). Outpatient prescriptions cannot be added to your hospital bill. Cash, check, credit cards and most prescription insurance plans are accepted.
Residents and Interns
Fletcher Allen Health Care is a teaching hospital. This means that during your office visit and hospitalization, you will likely meet surgical residents and medical students.
Your surgeon is your doctor, and will always be fully responsible and in charge of your care. It is true that residents do learn while helping in your care, however, it is important to know that these are not "student doctors". They are skilled physicians with experience in caring for very sick patients.
Teaching hospitals provide high quality medical care while training the next generation of physicians. As a patient, you benefit from the newest technology and superior specialists. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with your surgeon about the participation of residents and students in your care. We believe in our obligation to educate tomorrow's physicians.
Nothing is more important than providing you with the best medical care that is available and having you feel confident and secure.
Smoking
The hospital is a smoke-free environment. No smoking is permitted in any hospital building or on hospital grounds. If you anticipate need for nicotine replacement therapy during your hospital stay, please communicate this to your surgeon.
Free assistance to stop smoking: Vermont Quit Line: toll-free 1-877-YES-QUIT (937-7848)
Spiritual Resource Center
The mission of the Spiritual Resource Center is to encourage, support and enable the integration and provision of spiritual care and well being in every aspect of Fletcher Allen Health Care activities. The Spiritual Resource Center (SRC) contributes to the health and well-being of patients, families and staff by providing emotional and spiritual support. Please visit the Spiritual Resource Center website for more information. Please feel free to ask any of the staff participating in your care, either prior to your surgery or during your hospital stay, for assistance in coordination of your spiritual care.
Transportation
Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) is a private, non-profit organization that serves Chittenden County elder and disabled residents with transportation needs. Please call 802-878-1527.
