For many people, facing the prospect of surgery can be an unsettling experience. That’s why the staff in Mercy Medical Center’s outpatient surgery program remain by your side throughout your surgery-–from the time you are admitted until the time you are ready to return home.

We have compiled this information to answer your questions and to help you feel more at ease during your stay with us. If you do not find the answer here, please ask. A member of our staff will be happy to help you.

Preparing for Surgery

Once it has been determined that you need to have surgery, your physician’s office will schedule your pre-admission testing and surgery at Mercy Medical Center.

A member of our Admitting Department will then call you to verify your pre-admission testing appointment, surgery date, personal information and insurance coverage.

During your pre-admission testing appointment, a Mercy Medical Center registered nurse will conduct a health assessment test to ensure diagnostic needs are met, lab work is complete and an anesthesiologist has been consulted.

The Night Before Your Surgery

The night before your surgery, you will receive a telephone call from a Mercy Medical Center registered nurse offering to answer any questions you may have to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery.

The registered nurse will also provide easy-to-follow instructions regarding food intake and medications. You will be reminded not to bring any valuables, to remove all jewelry and piercings and not to bring personal care items, as they will be provided.

It is very important to arrange your transportation home with a family member or friend before you are admitted. If you need assistance with your transportation, please talk to your assigned Mercy Medical Center care manager once you are admitted to ensure a smooth transition from the medical center to your home or another health care setting.

To make your stay with us as pleasant as possible, here are a few suggestions:

• To prevent loss or damage, store eyeglasses and dentures in the drawer of your bedside table
• If you have brought your own medications and have no way of sending them home, inform your nurse. The medications will be sent to the pharmacy for safekeeping during your stay
• Leave jewelry, piercings, large amounts of cash, credit cards and checkbooks at home
• Report any accident, no matter how minor, to a nurse
• Arrange your transportation home with a family member or friend before your admission to the hospital

The Day of Surgery

Upon arrival, you need to check-in at Mercy Medical Canter’s Admitting Desk (271 Carew Street, Springfield) located on the first floor. Next, you will then be asked to register at the Surgical Services Reception Desk, which is located on the third floor.

There you will be asked your name, what procedure your are undergoing and you physician’s name. As part of Mercy medical Center’s standard procedure, you will be asked this information several times throughout your stay with us.

Once you are registered with Surgical Services, you will be admitted by a registered nurse and asked to change into a hospital garment. We encourage our patients to wear casual, washable clothing of ample size which allows for easy changing and dressing. Low-heeled shoes, oxfords or sneakers are suggested for support and safety. We also recommend shoes have non-skid soles. Your family will be responsible for your laundry needs.

Prior to surgery, you will receive a final anesthesiologist consult before being escorted into the operating room.

During Surgery

While you are in surgery, your family members and friends are welcome to wait in our comfortable Hospitality Lounge, located on the third floor. They will be notified when your surgery is over and you have been taken to Recovery.

After Surgery

After surgery, you will stay in the Recovery area for close monitoring. You will then be brought to the Outpatient Department for further care and education prior to discharge. When you are ready to leave, you will be escorted to Patient Registration’s private driveway at the side of the hospital to meet the person who will be transporting you home. Written instructions for recovery, along with a set of emergency phone numbers, will be given to you at that time.

For any other questions you might have, please ask a member of your health care team.

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER
Important Telephone Numbers
Main Number	748-9000
Admitting	748-9743
Manager of Surgical Services	748-9931
Pre-Assessment Testing	748-9782
Outpatient Surgery	748-9950
Center for Sight	748-9984

KEY LOCATIONS
Surgery	3rd Floor
Hospitality Lounge	3rd Floor
Recovery	3rd Floor
Intensive Care Unit	3rd Floor
Patient Rooms	4th – 5th Floors
Gift Shop	1st Floor/Main Lobby
Cafeteria	Ground Floor