Surgical Services
When you need surgery, it can be a stressful and emotional time for you and your loved ones. At Baldwin Health, we provide surgical care, advanced technology and knowledgeable and experienced surgeons.
Skilled teams work closely with patients, families and their primary care doctors to answer questions and address concerns. At Baldwin Health, the focus is on patient safety, care and comfort.
Baldwin Health offers many surgical procedures on an outpatient basis. Outpatient surgery generally allows you to return home on the same day. Although this type of care is common, these instructions will help make your procedure run as smoothly as possible.
Pre-admission instructions
Your physician's office will schedule your pre-admission appointment. Please bring all of your medications with you to your appointment so that they can be recorded. Call your surgeon if you develop a cold, flu or fever before your surgery.
The night before your surgery
Unless instructed by your doctor or the pre-op nurse, do not eat or drink anything, including gum, candy, mints or tobacco, after midnight the day before your surgery. Not following these instructions could result in the delay or cancellation of your surgery.
The day of your surgery
On the day of your surgery, you will be asked your name and date of birth many times. This is a precaution to ensure your safety and verify correct patient identification. Also, you will be asked the name of your surgeon, the procedure you are having and the area of the body to be operated on. Depending on the type of surgery you are having, the surgeon will identify the operative site with a skin marker.
All patients 18 years old and younger must have a parent or guardian present from the time of admission until the time of discharge.
You can expect a one- to two-hour wait before your actual procedure. This allows the nurse time to complete your physical assessment, start your IV and draw additional lab work if necessary.
Please remember to:
- Shower or bathe with antibacterial soap.
- Unless you have been given other instructions by your doctor or the pre-op nurse, do not use body lotions or powder.
- Brushing your teeth is permitted.
- Take medications as ordered by your surgeon with a sip of water before coming to the hospital.
- Leave your valuables at home.
- Remove all jewelry, including any body piercing, and hair pins or barrettes.
- Enter the front of the hospital and proceed to the front desk.
- Remove contact lenses, glasses, false teeth or partial plates.
- Limit visitors to two per room.
- For infants, please bring diapers, formula, bottles, a change of clothes/underwear and a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.
- No smoking or tobacco use on the premises.
For your safety, we require you to have a responsible adult to drive you home. Cabs are not an acceptable alternative. Please make arrangements in advance. Surgery may be cancelled if you do not have an acceptable ride home.
After your surgery
- You will be observed for a short time after surgery for any pain or complications.
- Your pain level will be assessed and pain medication will be given accordingly.
- You will be given specific post-operative instructions about limitations, medications, bandages and return appointments.
- Once you have met discharge criteria, you will be discharged to your family member or friend.
- You are not to drive a vehicle or operate any type of machinery for 24 hours after surgery.
Should you require immediate treatment for a problem following your surgery, please contact your surgeon's answering service, or, in an emergency, call 9-1-1