When should I arrive at the hospital for my surgery?

Patients are requested to arrive at the hospital at least 2 HOURS prior to the scheduled surgery time. This allows time for you to go through the admission process, change into hospital clothing, meet the anesthesiologist and nursing personnel who will be with you during your surgery, and get any questions pertaining to this process answered.

Can my family stay with me during this time?

Families may stay with patients until the patient is taken to the operating room.

Will anyone contact me before surgery to discuss any concerns I may have?

The orthopedic surgery patients are contacted by a nurse from the hospital. This is an R.N. who is familiar with our routines and procedures.

The nurse’s role is to assist the patient in planning for discharge, answer any questions the patient may have in terms of their case, and provide a supportive link throughout the patient’s surgical experience. You will be contacted by the nurse prior to your surgery and assisted in planning for your individualized case management.

The nurse also will schedule you to attend a pre-operative class in which you and your family members will receive instruction for each phase of your surgical experience. The classes are held on a rotating weekly schedule for total hip and total knee patients and are highly recommended. By attending class, you are better able to plan for your upcoming surgical experience.