Preparing for an Outpatient Procedure

 

Surgical Day Care is where patients will register and prepare for surgery. It is for outpatient procedures, meaning patients are not required to stay overnight. Before your appointment, be sure to review any instructions provide by your referring physician, including what to bring or do in preparation for the procedure. Following your instructions is very important as your procedure may be delayed or cancelled. 

 

 

Portrait of a woman with cancer and her doctor

Endoscopy Clinic

Endoscopy is the term used for a test in which a tube with a viewing camera is inserted to view organs without making a cut. Endoscopy clinics offer examination of the digestive tract and lungs. The intestines are viewed during a colonoscopy by inserting the viewing instrument through the rectum. The lungs are examined by inserting a bronchoscope through the mouth; and by using another instrument through the mouth the stomach can be examined. The physician is able to view the organs and take samples of tissue when necessary, which means you may be able to avoid further surgery. These tests help diagnose various diseases of the stomach, bowels and lungs.

 

Minor Procedures

Our services include Minor Procedures where minor surgery, joint injections and examinations are performed.

 

Urology Clinic

The Urology clinic offers examination of the bladder using a scope (cystoscopy). 

Review the list below to help you prepare and note items that are prohibited for the wellbeing and comfort of all in their healthcare journey. 

 

Please bring the following:

  • Health Card
  • List of current prescriptions and non-prescription medications/supplements (e.g., vitamins, supplements and herbals)
  • Care Wishes (e.g., Advanced Directives for Personal Care, Living Will, etc.), if required
  • Power of Attorney documents, if applicable
  • Supplementary insurance information, if you have extra coverage
  • Phone number of the person driving you and/or picking you up
  • A bag for your clothing
  • A denture cup for dentures, if applicable
  • Sanitary products for gynecology surgery
  • Mobile device (e.g., laptop, tablet, cellphone), the hospital has Free WiFi
  • Phone number of the person driving you home

Note: Medications should be in their original containers (medications prescribed and approved for use during your stay will be supplied by your care provider while in hospital). 

 

Learn more about supports in place for patients, including accessibility, language barriers, and resources here: https://www.cmh.org/patients.

 

Please bring any personal assistive devices that you require for your appointment. For example, any communication or mobility device you many need like a walker, hearing aid, etc.

 

Kindly note that CMH has a no scent policy. Please refrain from using or wearing perfumes, scented deodorants and scented products before coming to hospital.

 

Your health, safety, and wellness, including that of visitors, our staff, medical professionals, and volunteers, is important to us.  

 

Please leave the following items at home:

  • Important papers or documents (e.g., passports, Will), especially if they are not required
  • Jewelry, cash, and expensive clothing
  • Alcoholic beverages

 

While some rooms may have a secure locked/storage for your personal belongings, it is recommended you send these home with loved ones. The hospital is not responsible for missing, lost, or stolen belongings but will do what we can to locate them. In the event a missing, lost or stolen item is recovered, it may be given to our Security team or Patient Experience for holding. For questions about any lost or missing items, please email patientrelations@cmh.org. 

Follow the instructions given by your surgeon. It is recommended you bathe the morning of your procedure, remove any make-up, nail polish, and jewellery (e.g., all body piercings). Wear appropriate clothing to accommodate your post-operative care: casual, loose fitting clothes with flat, treaded shoes. 

 

When you arrive at the hospital and check-in at Patient Registration, you will be directed to Surgical Day Care. 

 

Afterwards:

  • You will be asked to change into a hospital gown, cap, etc.
  • Your clothes and belongings will be stored in Surgical Day Care and will be give back to you when you are ready to go home.
  • You will be asked if there are any changes to your health, medications, and personal information. 
  • You will be asked to confirm the surgical procedure you are having. 
  • You may meet your anesthesiologist. 
  • You may have blood work and other tests done, if required. 
  • You will have an intravenous (IV) started and medications may be given as ordered by your doctor.
  • Your family/friend/significant other will be allowed to stay with you until you go into the operating room. 

When you are ready for your procedure, an OR nurse will take you to the operating room. 

It is important that you plan ahead. When it is time to leave the hospital it is the responsibility of you and/or your loved ones to make sure transportation arrangements are made. If you've had general anesthesia or procedural sedation, you must have a family member, loved one, or friend drive you home. Public or carpool options are not an approved method following surgery, it is highly recommended you have someone you trust to take you home. If you have questions, please speak to your care team. 

You may not see your surgeon until your follow-up appointment. Instructions will be given to you about this appointment before you leave the hospital. If you would like your surgeon to speak to your coach or loved one after your surgery, please supply a name and phone number where they can be reached following the surgery. If time permits, the surgeon may try to contact them. 

Your surgery may be cancelled due to emergencies, respiratory (e.g., COVID or flu-like) symptoms or if you have consumed food or drink within the prohibited time period leading up to your surgery. Staff will keep you informed of any reason which may delay or cancel your surgery.