The inpatient surgical service provides comprehensive care delivered by a skilled team of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, respiratory therapists, social workers, utilization coordinators, pastoral care and other support staff.

The service promotes an interdisciplinary learning environment, often teaching a variety of students from medical residency, nursing, respiratory, physiotherapy and ambulance programs. These students are enrolled from a variety of universities and colleges throughout the community, region and province.

We work closely with our community partners to ensure that the services we provide are meeting the needs of the community and organization. Through the planning and providing of both preoperative and postoperative assessments, patients will have a positive outcome.

Pre-Admit Clinic Prepares You For Surgery

The Pre-Admit Clinic plays a key role in preparing you for your surgery. Elective surgical procedures are scheduled through the hospital’s Operating Room Booking Office, which works closely with the Pre-Admit Clinic to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Surgery stock

Prior to your surgery, the Pre-Admit Clinic will call you for an appointment to discuss your preparations for surgery. The nurse gathers your surgical and medical history, advises you on what medications to take or avoid prior to surgery, schedules necessary x-ray or lab tests, and reviews what you can expect on the day of your surgery.

You will be asked by the Pre-Admit Clinic to bring the following items to your appointment:

  • A list of all past surgeries and relevant medical history
  • All medications in their original containers
  • Your Ontario Health Card

If you arrive late, miss your appointment or do not bring the necessary information for your appointment, it will be rescheduled and this may cause the surgery date to be rescheduled as well.

You must call 759-3623 (Day Surgery) between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM on the day prior to your surgery to advise you of the time of your procedure, the time you should arrive at SAH, and where you should report.

Tips on Preparing for Surgery

  • Discuss your questions and concerns about your surgery with your physician/surgeon.
  • Ensure you provide the correct telephone and health card numbers to the surgeon’s office so the hospital has current information when receiving the request to book your surgery.
  • Attend your appointment with the Pre-Admit Clinic and leave yourself plenty of time. Feel free to bring a family member if you require assistance communicating with the nurse.
  • Follow the instructions from the Pre-Admit Clinic regarding fasting and medication requirements.
  • Leave your valuables at home.
  • Bring only a small amount of cash for magazines or newspapers.
  • Bring your pyjamas, robe, slippers, and personal care items such as your toothbrush.
  • Arrive for your surgery in plenty of time.

What else should you know?

  • Please assign a spokesperson on behalf of your family who will communicate with the nurses about your progress. This avoids multiple phone calls to the nursing station, helping nurses to focus on patient care.
  • SAH is committed to reducing exposure to infectious diseases, so please follow general visiting hours.
  • The discharge time is at 11:00 a.m. You may need to arrange for a ride home if necessary. You may be asked to leave your room at 11:00 AM and wait for your ride in the lounge on the unit you are in so the bed can be prepared for another patient who requires it.