The Day of Surgery

Do:

Take your morning medicines as instructed by your doctor. Medicines can be taken with no more than 1/4 cup of water.
Wear your hearing aid.
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. Button, drawstring or zippered clothes are most practical.
Use no more than 1/4 cup of water to rinse out your mouth after brushing your teeth.

Do not:

Wear jewelry or bring any valuables.
Wear any makeup, including mascara.
Wear nail polish. Artificial nails are discouraged.
Wear any scented lotions, oils, body products or perfume. We try to have a fragrance-free environment. Please inform your escort of the same.

Remember to bring (if applicable):

A list of your medicines. Print My Medicine List, a document you can use to keep track of all your medications.
All medicines in bottles they came in.
All medicine inhalers and insulin.
An eyeglass case and/or a contact lens case with solution.
Copies of your physical exam report, lab test results and EKG.
A copy of your health care directive, living will or name of durable power of attorney for health care.
Your insurance card and photo ID.
Workers’ compensation case information including date of injury.
For your child: Our goal is to reduce the spread of germs therefore toys are no longer provided. Please bring your child’s favorite comfort toys.

At the surgery facility

Arrival time: You will need to arrive one (1) to two (2) hours before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed by a nurse from the surgery facility.

Check in at admitting:

HealthEast Surgery Center - Midway: South entrance of Midway Outpatient Center
Maplewood Surgery Center: North entrance of Maplewood Professional Building
St. John’s Hospital: Main Entrance
St. Joseph’s Hospital: Emergency Care Center Admitting
Woodwinds Health Campus: Main Entrance

Remember to talk about any concerns or questions about your surgery. Ask about returning to normal activity, driving after surgery and returning to work. Do you need a work slip signed by your doctor?

If possible, your escort may stay with you until surgery. They will then be directed to our waiting area.