Download CEAC 1130 My Surgery Planning in Advance cover September 2015

My Surgery
Planning in Advance
(306) 766-0408
CEAC 1130
September 2015
Table of Contents
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………….….Page 2
 Decision for Surgery
 Steps of Surgery
 Planning for Surgery
 While You Wait
 Planning early for Discharge
 What if my Health Changes
PreAdmission Clinic ………………………………………………………………………Page 6
 Helpful Tips for Your PreAdmission Clinic (PAC) Appointment
 Helpful Tips for Your PAC Telephone Interview
 Medications
 Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (AROs)
Day Admission Surgery (DAS) ……………………………………………………….… Page 10
 Before Your Surgery
 In the Hospital
 In the Operating Room (OR)
Types of Anesthetic
Phrases or Words You May Hear in the OR
 After Surgery
Pain Scale
On the Unit
Discharged After Surgery
Pasqua Hospital ………………………………………………….……………………… Page 20
Map
Visitor Parking
Regina General Hospital……………………………………..…………………………. Page 22
Map
Visitor Parking
Third Party Surgical Provider: ………………………………………………………….. Page 24
Regina Surgical Centre
Pre-Operative Instructions
Regina Surgical Centre map
Abbreviations and Definitions…………………………………………………………. Page 26
Advance Care Planning (Living Will)………………………………………….……… Page 27
General Information about the Hospitals…………………………………………..…. Page 28
 Smoking Policy
 Spiritual Care
 SWADD
 Family and Friends can be Involved in Your Care
 Pharmacy
Hospital Visitor Information……………………………………………………………… Page 29
 Visitor Hours
 Patient Safety
 Visitors to the Hospital
 Reports of Patient Condition
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Protecting Your Privacy…………………………………………………………………… Page 30
Important Phone Numbers and Contacts………..……………………………………… Page 31
 Client Representative
 Privacy Coordinator
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Patient Surgical Education Booklet
Introduction
Welcome to the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR). Our aim is to provide our clients
with the best possible health care experience.
Decision for Surgery
You and your surgeon have decided on surgery - NOW WHAT?
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A consent for surgery is signed by both you and your surgeon.
Your surgeon decides if it is best for you to have surgery either as an inpatient (stay in
hospital overnight) or an outpatient (have your surgery and go home a few hours
later).
The paperwork is sent to the Operating Room (OR) Scheduling Office (SPIM).
The Scheduling Office confirms your surgical date with you about 1 to 4 weeks before
surgery.
The PreAdmission Clinic receives your paperwork and contacts you for an
appointment either as a telephone interview or a clinic appointment.
Steps of Surgery
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Decision for Surgery
PreAdmission Clinic (PAC)
Day Admission Surgery (DAS)
Operating Room
Recovery Room
Following Surgery
Unit
Discharge Instructions
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Planning for Your Surgery
While You Wait for Your Surgery
While you wait for your surgery you may improve or maintain your health by:
 thinking positively
 staying as active as possible
 eating a nutritious diet. Follow “Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide”
www.canada’sfoodguide.
Healthy Eating for Surgery
Eating healthy foods help your body prepare for surgery, as well as support healing and fight
infection. Focusing on good nutrition before and after surgery can mean a faster recovery for
you.
Nutrition Tips to Prepare for and Recover From Surgery
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Eat 3 meals a day or 5 small meals a day. Do not skip meals.
Balance your meals with foods from each of the food groups: grain products,
vegetables and fruit, milk products, meat and alternatives.
Emphasize protein rich foods such as lean meat, fish, poultry, beans, eggs, tofu,
cheese, nuts, cottage cheese, yogurt to enhance healing.
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses (1 glass = 250 mL or 8 oz) of fluid per day, preferably
water.
Smokers
 Patients are not allowed to smoke in our facilities.
 Smokers have more breathing problems after surgery because of the irritation of the
smoke in their lungs.
 Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide which reduces the amount of oxygen in
your blood and nicotine which increases your heart rate and blood pressure.
 This may be a good time to consider to stop smoking
 Consider talking to your health care provider if you have any concerns regarding your
smoking.
 Go to Partnership to Assist with Cessation of Tobacco (PACT) www.makeapact.ca.
Important Information for Your Surgeon
 Keep your surgeon informed about your medical health. Health problems such as
allergies, diabetes, breathing problems, and obesity can affect your surgery and
treatment outcome.
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Medications
 Blood thinners (such as coumadin or warfarin, ASA®), some herbals, vitamins, over the
counter medications, and street drugs - can affect the outcome of your surgery. Make
sure your surgeon is aware of everything you are taking.
 Continue taking your medication unless a health care provider instructs you to stop.
Children Having Surgery
 If you have a child who is having surgery make child care arrangements outside of the
hospital for siblings or other children in your care.
 In the case your child is having surgery, only 2 parents or guardians are to be with the
child before and after surgery.
Surgical Area
 Do not shave or clip your hair in the surgical area for 7 days before your surgery.
Plan Early for Discharge Before Your Surgery
Plan early to help reduce worry and anxiety by having arrangements ready for your
discharge from the hospital.
Arrange in Advance:
 Someone to pick you up from the hospital and take you home when you are discharged
 Any equipment you need when you are discharged from hospital
(e.g. crutches or other aids).
 Plan to have groceries for 1 week.
 Someone to help you after your surgery. This could be for a brief time or longer,
depending on the surgery.
 You may need help with: laundry, cleaning, cooking, yard work, someone to look after
the people or pets in your care until you are ready to resume their care, driving to
appointments.
Sharing information with your health care provider about your needs and concerns helps us
to meet your needs and to work together to make decisions for your care.
Ask your surgeon when you are able to:
 drive
 return to work
 return to usual activities, such as cleaning, exercise, or laundry
 take your own medications
 travel long distances, including air travel.
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What if Your Health Changes Before Your Surgery?
If you do not feel well, or if there is a change in your health, let your surgeon’s office know
at least 24 hours before your surgery,
 Some important changes could be:
o a new cough or a cough that is getting worse
o fever, or chills, or both (temperature higher than 38 °C or 100.4° F.)
o diarrhea
o shortness of breath (worse than your usual)
o severe headache (worse than your usual)
o muscle aches
o extreme fatigue or feeling very tired
o vomiting (throwing up)
If You Must Cancel Your Surgery:
 Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
o Call your surgeon’s office or the Surgical Waitlist Inquiry 1-866-622-0222
 For immediate cancellation of the next day’s surgery (after 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.) or
anytime on weekends:
o Call Bedline (306) 766-6075
Note: On the day of surgery unforeseen circumstances may happen making it necessary to
cancel your surgery (e.g. an emergency case, or the hospital beds being full). Be prepared to
have a ride home in case this happens. The Operating Room schedulers make every effort to
rebook your surgery as soon as possible.
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PreAdmission Clinic (PAC)
We prepare you for your surgery by taking medical history over the phone or in person.
We give you the instructions to get you ready for your surgery.
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Location:
Regina Centre Crossings
Surgical Assessment Centre
Suite 102 - 1621 Albert Street.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Parking is free if your vehicle is parked in the “RQHR Client Parking” - the first 3 rows
closest to Albert Street
o Bring in your license plate number and give the information to the registration
clerk. This is needed in order to avoid a parking ticket.
After you register, the registration clerk asks you to have a seat in the waiting room.
You are shown to a private room and a health history and assessment is taken by a
nurse.
Your medications are reviewed at this time
You are given pre-operative and post-operative instructions needed for your surgery.
As part of your surgical preparation you may see an anesthesiologist or a medical
internist. A doctor makes this decision.
You may be asked to have blood work or Xrays done before your PAC appointment if
your doctor has requested. This information helps to provide complete medical
information before you are seen or contacted for your medical history. You can have
these tests done at a laboratory of your choice.
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Tips for Your PAC Clinic Appointment
 Plan to be at the clinic for about 1 to 3 hours. In some cases this time may be longer.
 Eat and drink as usual, unless a special diet is used to prepare for your surgery.
 If you do not speak or understand English have a translator come with you to the
appointment.
 Bring all your prescription medications with you to your appointment in their original
containers or bubble packs, herbals, vitamins, and over the counter medication
 Bring a list of all your surgeries and medical conditions.
 We are a scent free environment. Do not wear any scented products, which include after
shave, scented deodorants, or shampoos.
Tips for Your PAC Telephone Interview
 Have a translator with you if you do not speak English.
 Be available at the scheduled time. If you are not available call PAC (306) 766-0410 to
rebook.
 Have your interview in a quiet area away from distractions.
 Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the interview.
 Have a pen and paper handy to write down any information you will need.
 Have all medication containers close at hand. This includes prescription, herbals, vitamins,
and over the counter medications.
 Have a list of all your surgeries and medical conditions.
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Medications
There are some medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Your health
care provider tells you which ones to stop them before surgery.
Some that May be Stopped before Surgery are:
 Warfarin (Coumadin®, Taro-Warfarin®)
 ASA®, Aspirin®, Entrophen® or medications containing this product
 Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
 Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®)
 Herbal medications
 Midol®
 Novasen products
 Robaxisal® products
 222® tablets
 Pradax (Dabigatran)
 Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
The following are some Canadian products containing (ASA)
 A.C. and C. (various manufacturers) ° Instantine
 Alka-Seltzer®
° Methoxisal products
 Amacin® products
 Midol® regular
 ASA ECT (various manufacturers)
 Midol traditional
 Asaphen products
° MSD® enteric coated ASA
 ASA tablets (various manufacturers)  Norgesic
 Aspirin® products
 Norgesic Forte
 Bufferin products
 Novasen products
 Coricidin®
 Obusforme
 C2 products
° Pain aid
 Entrophen® products
° Robaxisal® products
 Herbopyrin
° 222® tablets
This is not a complete list!
Be sure to check the label of all medications to see if it contains ASA.
If in doubt ask a pharmacist or your doctor.
Some herbals, vitamins and over the counter medications increase your bleeding
time and may need to be stopped several days before surgery.
Ask your health care provider when and if you should stop these medications.
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Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (AROs)
 You are asked if you have or carry any possible infections that could affect or complicate
your hospital stay. This is during your PAC interview.
 AROs may cause problems for patients who are in the hospital.
 4 organisms of concern are:
o Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) - bacteria that may be
found on the skin and in the nose of healthy people.
o Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) - bacteria that may be found in the
bowel.
o Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) - are enzymes produced by some
bacteria or germs that can make them resistant to certain antibiotics. These
bacteria or germs can be found in many parts of your body but are normally in
your bowel.
o Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) - a family of germs that are
difficult to treat because they have high levels of resistance to antibiotics.
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Day of Admission Surgery (DAS)
If you are staying in the hospital for 1 or more nights you are admitted to the DAS Unit
before your surgery. This unit is located on the second floor of the Pasqua and on the
second floor at the Regina General Hospital. Do not go to Admitting on the main floor.
The Day Before Your Surgery
At Home: Getting Yourself Ready
Eating or Drinking Instructions:
 Do not drink any alcoholic beverages or use any illicit substances for 24 hours
before your surgery
 Adult/children having surgery:
o Do not eat or drink after midnight.
o You may have clear fluids up until 4 hours before surgery. Examples of clear
fluids are: water, apple juice, black coffee or clear tea, white cranberry juice,
white grape juice, soup broth (bouillon or consommé), carbonated beverages
(clear soda), sport drinks, crystal fruit drinks, popsicles, gelatin desserts or
Jello.
o Do not use mints, gum, candy, throat lozenges and chewing tobacco the
morning of or when you come into the hospital –for your surgery.
o You may brush your teeth and /or use mouthwash as long as you do not
swallow.
o If you are instructed to take medications on the morning of your surgery, only a
sip of water is allowed.
 Infant (under 12 months) having surgery
o No non-human milk 6 hours before surgery
o No human milk 4 hours before surgery
Bathing or Shower Instructions:
 Have a bath or shower and shampoo your hair with unscented products the night
before or morning of surgery.
 Do not use scented personal care products (e.g. deodorant, after shave
lotion, colognes, or shampoos).
 Remove makeup, nail polish, acrylic/gel/shellac nails and toenail polish, jewelry,
body piercings and hair extensions with metals before coming to the hospital.
These instructions are for your safety and reduce the chances of:
- burns from surgical equipment
- risk of reduced blood flow to fingers and toes
- risk of choking and suffocation
- wound infection and contamination
Failure to follow these instructions can result in cancelling your surgery.
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What to Bring to the Hospital
Your current prescription medications in their original container or bubble pack and a list of
any herbals, vitamins, and over the counter medications.
 A hospital gown and housecoat are provided. You may bring your own, but you are
responsible for the care of these items
 1 small suitcase which may contain:
o Personal care items as: toothbrush and toothpaste, comb or brush, razor,
deodorant*, soap*, shampoo*, and cream rinse *, if desired.
 slippers (non-slip walking shoes with a low heel)
 tissue *
 any special equipment or aids you may use at home such as CPAP machines, crutches,
walkers, wheel chairs, or braces. Label them with your name and address.
 hearing aids, dentures, and glasses with cases if you have.
 a small amount of cash if you wish, (cafeteria or gift shop).
 something to read or puzzle book.
*Scented products can aggravate health problems for some people who have asthma,
allergies, and other medical conditions. Do not use scented personal care products.
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Do not bring to the hospital: many pieces of identification, credit cards, large amounts of
money, valuables such as watches, jewelry or electronic equipment (e.g. laptop, TV,
iPad™, iPod™, MP3 player, and iPhone™). These can have a negative effect on
monitoring and patient care. Cell phones may be used in some waiting rooms, common
areas and lobbies. Look for signs to tell you of these areas. People choosing to bring
these items do so at their own risk! Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region does not assume
responsibility if they are damaged or lost.
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In the Hospital
Go directly to the DAS/Day Surgery (DS) Unit on the 2nd floor. Staff takes you to a patient
room and asks you to change clothes and pack up your belongings.
Prepare for Surgery by:
o changing into a hospital gown
o placing your belongings into a plastic bag, which is labeled with your name and
taken to your room later in the day.
o having height and weight measured
o having your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen levels
checked
o your nurse may clip your hair in the surgical area, if required
o your medical history and medications being confirmed
o having an intravenous (IV) started in your arm
o your surgeon may mark the area of your surgery
o a warm blanket may be put on before surgery to keep you warm
o you are asked to empty your bladder before you go in for your surgery.
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If Your Child is Having Surgery:
o 2 parents or guardians can be with a child before and after surgery.
o If you have other children please make arrangements for their care
before you come to the hospital.
o Parents need to be available to comfort their child after surgery.
Leave
o your cell phone number with the nurse if you are unable to wait during
your child’s surgery.
Once all of the preparations are completed and the operating room is ready, you are taken to
the Operating Room (OR). Family and/or friends are not allowed in the OR.
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Surgery - In the Operating Room (OR)
Operating staff ask you questions that are part of the Surgical Safety Checklist. Many of
these questions you have already answered and the questions are repeated for safety
reasons.
This may be a stressful time for you but you can ask questions of your surgical team at any
time.
You are taken into the Operating Theatre and asked to move on to the operating room bed.
Electrodes (or sticky tabs) are placed on your chest to monitor your heart. A blood pressure
cuff is put on your arm to measure your blood pressure and a clip is put on your finger to
track your oxygen level.
The operating rooms are kept at a constant temperature which may feel cool. Tell your
health care team if you would like a warm blanket.
Types of Anesthetic
There are different types of anesthesia. Your anesthetist discusses the appropriate type for
your surgery.
General Anesthesia
This is a combination of medications given to you through your intravenous and a
mask. This causes you to go to ‘sleep’ and not feel any pain. You are given oxygen to
breathe from a mask before the medications are put into your IV. Once you are ‘sleeping’
your anesthetist helps you breathe using a tube or mask.
Spinal Anesthesia
Medication is put into your spinal fluid to make your legs feel numb. You do not feel
pain and cannot move your legs.
Epidural Anesthesia
This is used in combination with either general or spinal anesthesia in the OR. A small
tube is placed into your back. Medication for pain control can be run through this tube while
you are in the OR, as well as after your surgery while you are recovering on the nursing unit.
Patients who are having specific procedures may be offered this type of anesthesia.
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Local Anesthesia
This can be used alone or in combination with another type of anesthetic. You may
hear it referred to as a ‘block’. This helps you with pain control during and after your surgery.
If you are having local and general anesthetic, the local anesthetic is often given before the
general anesthetic. If your procedure is done with only local anesthetic, your anesthetist may
ask you if you would like medication in your intravenous to help you relax.
Phrases or Words You May Hear in the OR
Surgical Safety Checklist
This list of questions confirms information before, during, and after your surgery, and consists
of 3 parts:
Briefing
Once you have entered the operating room, the team may gather around you to review
your operation. They confirm your name, your allergies, if there are any, and your
operation. They discuss anesthesia concerns, if there are any and equipment needed
for your operation. We welcome you to discuss any concerns you may have with the
team.
Surgical Pause
Before starting the surgery, the surgical team confirms the information they have
gathered. If you have spinal anesthetic, local anesthetic, or sedation, you may hear
them confirming:
- your name, procedure, and side or level of the operation, when applicable
- your allergies
- the antibiotics you have received, when used
Debriefing Period
Once the operation is over, your surgical team discusses your procedure. If you have
received spinal anesthetic, local anesthetic, or sedation you may hear the team talk
about:
- your operation
- the tissue to be sent to the laboratory, when applicable
- the surgical count
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After Surgery
Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) - formerly known as the Recovery Room
 After your surgery, you are taken to the PACU to recover from the anesthetic.
 This is a large room with other patients so it may be noisy. Your dignity and privacy
are maintained at all times.
 Oxygen is given to you as soon as you arrive in PACU.
 A bedside monitor takes your blood pressure every 15 minutes and displays your
pulse and oxygen level continuously.
 Your length of stay in PACU varies.
 Your PACU nurse helps with any nausea you might have.
 Everyone experiences pain and discomfort differently after surgery. It is important to
let your nurse know if you are having pain. Tell your nurse what your pain is using the
pain scale below.
 You are given pain medications which allow you to move and become more active.
Pain is expected after surgery.
The aim is to make the pain bearable.
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Pain Scale
Techniques for Pain Management
We are committed to providing an optimal pain management.
Reposition
Music/Relaxation
Laughter
Deep Breathing
Medication
Visualization
Ice
Nurse’s Responsibility is to:
 take your pain seriously
 routinely assess and treat your pain as quickly as possible
 provide safe pain management treatment
 give clear answers to your questions.
Patient’s Responsibility is to:
 tell your nurse if you are having pain
 ask for pain relief before you become too uncomfortable
 give your nurse an honest report of your pain using the pain scale
 tell your nurse if your pain is not relieved
 tell your nurse if you are experiencing side effects of the medications
(e.g. nausea, constipation)
 attend therapy as scheduled (moving around helps healing)
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Following Surgery on the Unit: (For DAS Patients)
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You are moved out of the PACU (Recovery Room) into the area where you stay
overnight or until you are discharged.
Your nurse monitors your condition and encourages you to do deep breathing and foot
and ankle exercises. You may practice these ahead of time by following the instructions
in the “After Your Surgery”
How to breathe deeply:
 Inhale as deeply as you can.
 Hold the breath for 2 seconds.
 Exhale completely.
 Repeat 3 times.
How to cough:
 Inhale deeply.
 Cough. The cough should come from your abdomen, not from your throat.
Hold a pillow on your abdomen for support.
How to exercise your feet and legs:
 Push your toes toward the end of the bed, as if you are pressing down on a
gas pedal.
 Pull your toes toward the head of your bed, then relax.
 Circle each ankle to the right, then to the left.
 Repeat 3 times.
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Remember to do your deep breathing and leg exercises every 1 or 2 hours when you
are awake. You should be up and around as soon as possible.
Ask your nurse about the unit guidelines to follow.
It is common that you are weak and off balance which are effects from the anesthetic
shortly after surgery. It is important to have assistance when getting out of bed. Your
nurse can help you manage tubes, equipment, and instruct you in the safest way to
move.
A call bell is attached to your bed or your gown to use when you need the assistance
of your nurse.
You may be tired and sleepy from the effects of anesthestic. These effects can take up
to 24 hours to completely wear off.
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Nutrition
 You have an (IV) until you are eating and drinking well. Sometimes your IV is left in to give
medications.
 Food is usually introduced gradually, depending on your surgery. Check with your nurse
or dietitian before eating or drinking any food brought to you by family or friends, as this may
stand in the way of your recovery.
After Your Surgery
 Make sure that your health care providers clean their hands before examining you.
If they do not wash their hands, ask them to do so.
 Do not touch the surgical area or dressings unless instructed to do so.
 Family and friends must clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based
hand rub before and after visiting you. If you do not see them clean their hands, ask
them to do so.
 Ensure your dressing stays clean and dry.
 Ask your doctor when you can shower or bath.
 Ask your doctor when to change the dressing.
 Make sure you get all supplies and prescriptions needed before you arrive home.
During Your Hospital Stay
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You stay in the hospital at least 1 night.
The length of your hospital stay depends:
- on your surgery
- your recovery
- your doctor’s decision
Your medical condition is monitored as your recovery dictates.
During this time the nursing staff are checking on your vital signs, monitoring your
intake and output, progress your diet as per your surgical recovery, offer you pain
medication, get you moving and help you with your personal care as your condition
requires.
When you are ready our staff prepare you for discharge home or for continued
recovery in another facility. If you need outside support your staff are able to help you
with this.
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Discharged After Surgery From the Hospital
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Your nurse reviews with you written instructions to follow when you leave the hospital.
Feel free to ask questions.
Before you go home, find out who to contact if you have questions or problems after
you get home.
Care of Incision
 Instructions are given to you about bathing and care of your incision (if you have one).
 Sometimes patients leave the hospital with skin sutures (stitches), clips, tapes, or drains
still in place. You are given instructions when and where to have these removed.
 If you have a drain removed before you leave the hospital you may have drainage at this
site for 1 or 2 days after removal.
 If daily bathing is ordered, put on a clean dressing after each bath to protect the site and
your clothes.
What I Need to do When I go Home From the Hospital
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Before you go home, your doctor or nurse explains how to take care of your wound.
Make sure you understand before you leave the hospital. If you need Home Care
services, make sure these are arranged prior to your discharge.
Always clean your hands before and after caring for your wound.
It is normal for your incision to be itchy, feel tender, tight, and numb while healing.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of :
Increased redness, pain, and drainage at the surgery site
Chills and fever (temperature higher than 38 C or 100.4 F)
Redness or pain in your lower legs, even with resting
Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
Skin changes in the leg, such as discolouration, thickening or warmth in the legs
Discomfort, heaviness, pain, aching, throbbing, itching, or warmth in the legs
Pain in your chest, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath.
Coughing up blood
Rapid or irregular heart rate
Lightheadedness.
Patients may receive a phone call from
the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region Infection Control Department after surgery
to monitor whether you have experienced a surgical site infection.
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Pasqua Hospital is located at 4101 Dewdney Avenue Regina,
Saskatchewan.
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Pasqua Hospital Visitor Parking
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Regina General Hospital is located at 1440 - 14th Avenue Regina,
Saskatchewan.
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Regina General Hospital Visitor Parking
j
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Third Party Surgical Provider Services
Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region has a contract with a third-party surgical provider in Regina
to help patients get certain types of surgeries more quickly. Your surgeon may decide you
surgery is low risk and sends you to this clinic:
Regina Surgical Centre
Pre-Operative Instructions
Medications:
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Bring a detailed list with you (not the medications, unless it is insulin).
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If you are taking insulin bring it with you.
Personal Care:
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Have a bath or shower the night before or morning of surgery.
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Do not wear any make-up, including nail polish.
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Wear loose fitting clothing that is easy to take off and put on.
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Remove all jewelry, body piercing prior to arrival.
Nutrition:
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Do not eat any solid foods or drink after midnight the night before surgery (for adults)
unless otherwise indicated by anesthesia.
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Do not chew gum or suck on candies prior to your surgery
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If you have been instructed to take medications the morning of surgery take only with
sips of water.
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Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before or after your operation.
Activity:
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Please arrange for a ride to pick you up after you surgery. If you do not have a ride we
will not be able to do your surgery.
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Arrange for a relative or friend to accompany you home following your operation as the
effects of your anesthetic may not wear off completely for many hours and stay with
you for 24 hours.
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Do not drive for 24 hours following your operation. You are legally impaired for 24
hours. You are required to sign a legal document attesting to the same.
Other:

Check with you surgeon after shoulder or knee surgery if special consent is required to
drive

Bring crutches, if required.
 There may be special equipment required after your surgery (e.g. crutches, slings, and
braces) that incur with an extra cost. These charges are billed to you from RQHR
Finance Department.
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Third Party Surgical Provider
Regina Surgical Centre
2060 Halifax Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 1T7
Phone: (306) 545-8181
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Abbreviations and Definitions
Anesthetic - Medication given by a doctor for temporary effect of reduced sensitivity to pain
during procedures or surgery. This may be administered by gas and /or injection.
Aspiration - The act of breathing vomit into your lungs.
Bair Hugger - A special blanket that blows warm air over your body.
Client Representative Services - Receives client concerns if health care staff or unit
managers are unable to provide answers or if the concern involves more than 1 Region
service.
ECG (Electrocardiogram) - A machine that records heart activity.
Fasting - Nothing to eat or drink.
HealthLine - A confidential, 24 hour health information and support telephone line, staffed by
registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and social workers. This information is
available to anyone in the province free of charge. You must provide your Saskatchewan
Health Services Card information. Do not use for emergency situations.
HIPA (Health Information Protection Act) - Designed to improve the privacy of people’s health
information while ensuring adequate sharing of information is possible to provide health
services.
Informed Consent - The process of understanding the risks and benefits of treatment as
explained by your surgeon.
Medical Internist - A doctor dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult
diseases and conditions.
PACU (Post Anesthetic Care Unit) - formally known as Recovery Room. An area where
patients recover immediately after surgery.
SPIM - (Surgical Patient Information Management) - formerly OR booking, the office that
receives requests from surgeons for patients to have surgery. This is the office that contacts
the patient directly to confirm the surgery date.
SSI (Surgical Site Infection) - An infection that occurs in the part of the body where surgery
has taken place.
Surgical Wait List - A contact designed to offer you more information about wait times for
surgery.
Third party location - A non-hospital surgical facility accredited by the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
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Advance Care Planning (Living Will)
It is routine on admission to a RQHR facility to be asked if you have an
Advance Care Plan or Proxy. If you have completed an advance care plan
(living will) please bring a copy with you.
There are 3 steps in Advance Care Planning:
1. Think about your values and wishes regarding health care preferences.
2. Talk to your health care providers, understand and learn about your health. Get the
information you need to make informed choices about health care treatments and
interventions.
Talk to those close to you and choose someone (proxy) who can honour your
wishes.
3. Act by
 Completing an Advance Care Plan.
 Appointing a Proxy. A Proxy can assist in making health care decisions for you
if you can no longer speak for yourself. To be valid, the appointment of a proxy
needs to be in writing, signed, and dated (no lawyer needed). It is important
that you discuss your health care directions with your proxy.
 Sharing your advance care plan with your proxy, loved ones, and health care
providers.
“My Voice - Planning in Advance for Health Care Choices” is a workbook that RQHR has
developed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health care. To obtain a
copy of the “My Voice” workbook or to access additional resources on Advance Care
Planning and appointing a proxy contact:
Advance Care Planning Program
Phone: 1-306-766-5922
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.rqhealth.ca/programs/advance_care_planning/index.shtml RQHR encourages you to bring in your advance care plan. It is your legal
direction for the health care team and your proxy (substitute decision makers)
to follow in situations where you are unable to make health care decisions for
yourself.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE INVOLVED IN YOUR HEALTH CARE
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General Information About the Hospitals
Smoking Policy
Use of tobacco and smoking products is not allowed in any building owned or operated by the
RQHR. Designated smoking areas are located outside the buildings. Look for the signs to
show you where you can smoke.
Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care hospital chaplains and church volunteers visit patients on a regular basis. If
you wish to be visited, state this on your admission. If you wish to have a visit from your own
pastor/priest, tell them of your admission date.
System Wide Admission and Discharge Department (SWADD)
During your hospital stay if you have questions about how you will manage when you get
home, ask your nurse to help you contact a SWADD Discharge Planner.
Family or Friends can be Involved in Your Care by:
 Coming with you when you have tests or clinic appointments
 Supporting you after your surgery
 Taking care of themselves and getting plenty of rest. This can be a very tiring and stressful
time for everyone.
Pharmacy
If you require additional medications when you are discharged, fill your prescription as soon
as possible. There are pharmacies located at the Regina General Hospital and the Pasqua
Hospital for your convenience.
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Hospital Visitor Information
Visitor Hours







Visiting hours vary according to the unit.
We know that visitors are important to recovery.
Patients need their rest after surgery.
Some units have a daily rest period. Visitors are asked not to visit during these hours
so that you can rest.
Talk to the staff on the unit for more information.
Before bringing any flowers or food into the hospital for the patient please check with
the nursing staff.
We suggest that only 2 people visit at a time.
Patient Safety
We care about patient safety: protecting you, your family, and friends from infectious illnesses
when you are at our hospital. We all have a role to play in helping to protect you, your family
members, friends and other patients from serious infectious illnesses that can be spread in
hospital. Please ensure you wash your hands with soap and water or with hand disinfectants
provided at the hospital entrance before and after your visit to the hospital. It is important that
your visitors are feeling well before coming to the hospital. If they are sick we ask that they
stay home until they are better as they may make you, other patients, or health care workers
in the hospital sick.
Visitors to the Hospital
Before coming to the hospital, visitors need to check if they have had
any of the following symptoms in the past 24 hours








a new cough; or a cough that is getting worse
a fever or chills, or both
diarrhea
shortness of breath (worse than your usual)
severe headache (worse than your usual)
muscle aches
extreme fatigue or feeling very tired
vomiting (throwing up)
If a visitor has any of the above symptoms, stay at home.
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Reports of Patient Condition
Any personal information about patient’s diagnosis and treatment is considered confidential.
This information is available only to designated members of the patient’s immediate family,
provided the patient has given permission.
Protecting Your Privacy
The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) understands that your health information is a
very personal and private matter. We are committed to keeping it confidential and secure.
RQHR collects personal health information about you for the primary purpose of providing the
health care service you need or ask for.
The Region ensures that your personal health information is shared only as necessary,
amongst members of your health care team for the purpose of giving you care or as
permitted or required by law.
RQHR stores your information securely and disposes of the information properly when the
time comes to do so.
If you want to know more about your privacy rights and protections under RQHR policies and
procedures, and under the Health Information Protection Act (HIPA), refer to the brochure
called “Your Privacy Rights” in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. This brochure is
available at all of our facilities, on the Region’s Web site www.rqhealth.ca or by contacting the
RQHR Privacy Office.
If you have concerns regarding your personal health information, or its use, you may be able
to resolve your concern by talking to a member of your health team, such as a nurse or
doctor. You may speak to the appropriate supervisor or manager.
Privacy Office
Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
#200 - 2550 15th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 1A5
Telephone: (306) 766-6481
Facsimile: (306) 766-7584
Email: [email protected]
30
Important Numbers
Native Health Services
(306) 766-4889
Pasqua Hospital (Switchboard)
Day of Admission Surgery Unit (DAS)
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Security Services Department
(306) 766-2222
(306) 766-2638
(306) 766-8555
(306) 766-2900
PreAdmission Clinic (PAC) at the Surgical Assessment Centre
(306) 766-0400
Regina General Hospital (Switchboard)
Day of Admission Surgery Unit (DAS)
Security Services Department
Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)
(306) 766-4444
(306) 766-3760
(306) 766-3900
(306) 766-3990
Smokers’ Helpline
1-877-513-5333
Spiritual Care
(306) 766-3341
System Wide Admissions and Discharges Department (SWADD)
(306) 766-7200
Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Hostel
(306) 766-5797
Contacts
Patient Advocate Services
Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region
2nd Floor, 2550 15th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 1A5
Telephone: (306) 766-3232
Toll Free: 1 866-411-7272
Facsimile: (306) 766-7068
Email: [email protected]
Saskatchewan Information
and Privacy Commissioner
Suite 503 - 1801 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 4B4
Telephone: (306) 787-8350
Toll Free: 1 877 748-2298
Facsimile: (306) 798-1603
Email: [email protected]
31
CEAC 1130
September 2015