If you are coming to Emerson Hospital for an elective outpatient procedure or certain tests, we want your experience to be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind:
What to wear and bring
We suggest that you wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes. Please leave valuables or large amounts of money at home because Emerson Hospital cannot be responsible for any personal belongings or money left in your room.
For patient safety, please do not bring any electrical appliances (a blow dryer, for example) to the hospital. Battery-operated appliances (such as an MP3 player) are allowed. Laptop computers are permitted and wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the hospital.
Admission for day surgery
Please have whoever is driving you to surgery drop you off at the Clough Surgical Center entrance. This is a dedicated entrance for our surgical day patients. Parking is available in the parking garage located across from the Clough Surgical Center entrance. You will check in at the Clough Surgical Center reception desk, on the first floor, on the day of your surgery.
Because each patient and each operation are different, your physician has a specific plan for your surgery. You will have already received special instructions about food, medication, anesthesia other aspects of your procedure. Before surgery, you will have the opportunity to meet with your anesthesiologist who is an integral part of your care team.
After your operation, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), a special nursing unit for post-operative recovery. From the PACU, you’ll be taken to a private post-op recovery room in the Clough Surgical Center.
While you are in surgery and the PACU, your family and friends will be kept informed of your progress by the Emerson family liaison assigned to you. Family liaisons are staff dedicated to communicating with patients’ families and friends to keep them up to date while a patient is in surgery and recovery.
If you are admitted for observation
Your doctor may decide to admit you for observation in order to monitor the effects of short-term treatments or to administer tests, medications and examinations. While you’re not considered an inpatient, you will be assigned to a patient room or to a specific area of the hospital. A typical stay for observation is less than 24 hours, although it may be extended, if necessary.
