Surgical Services at Grand View Hospital
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The Day of Your Procedure

Before you leave home:

• Shower or bathe. If you are having surgery, thoroughly wash the area of skin where the incision will be made. Do not put on perfume, powder, oil, lotion or deodorant.
• Dress in comfortable, loose clothing. Fleece or exercise clothes are a good choice.
• Take, or refrain from taking, medications as instructed by your doctor.

Arriving at Grand View
You may enter the hospital through the main lobby or outpatient entrance at the side of the building. If you are planning to stay overnight, go to the patient registration desk in the main lobby.

If you are scheduled for same-day surgery, take the elevator to the second floor and follow signs to the SSSU. When you arrive in the unit, report to the receptionist, and state your name and scheduled arrival time. Be sure to have your health benefits card and referral forms ready, if required by your insurance plan. At this time, your nurse will collect any paperwork or tests you may have brought with you.

Shortly after you arrive, an armband (noting any allergies) will be placed on your wrist for identification. To ensure your safety, the staff will repeatedly ask you your name, surgeon, type of surgery and any allergies you might have. A nurse will weigh you and escort you to an area to change into a gown.

The nurse will review your health status and start an IV. Before surgery begins, a doctor (called an anesthesiologist), will visit you to discuss the medicines you will receive to reduce your pain and increase your comfort.

What Your Escort Needs to Know
While you are with the nurse prior to surgery, your friend or family member may want to ask:

• How long the surgery will take
• If it is necessary to remain in the hospital
• Where are appropriate places to wait

Your escort may stay with you until you leave for surgery. Remember, please leave young children with a babysitter.

What to Bring to the hospital

• Identification cards
• Insurance cards
• Referral forms, if required by your health plan
• A list of all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins and diet pills
• A list of allergies you may have to food, drugs or latex and any sensitivity to adrenaline or epinephrine
• Any test results, X-rays, consent forms, physical examination forms or other information your surgeon may have asked you to bring with you
• A copy of an advance directive document, such as a living will or durable power of attorney (click here for more information)

Grand View Hospital is not responsible for personal belongings. Leave valuables such as credit cards, cash and jewelry (including your wedding band and engagement ring) at home.

Guns, knives, mace, pepper spray and other weapons are not allowed in the hospital.

Smoking and alcohol are prohibited for patients and visitors.