If you are having Outpatient Surgery and are being admitted the Day of your Operation

When to Arrive at the Hospital

Please arrive in the lobby of the hospital/health center at the time you are instructed, 1-1/2 to 2 hours before your operation. If the time of your operation changes, you will be notified by either your doctor's office or the surgery department. Please make sure a telephone number where you can be reached is available, even the day of your operation.

Wear loose, simple clothing that can be easily removed and folded (example: sweat suit).

If you have any last minute questions the day of your operation, please call

• St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital
  517-545-6328
• St. Joseph Mercy Woodland Health Center
  810-844-7704

Going to Surgery

Please check in at the Information Desk and they will direct you to the surgical waiting area. If you have trouble walking distances, please ask for a wheelchair as you enter the front entrance.

Once you arrive in the surgical waiting area, a preoperative care nurse will help you get ready for surgery. The nurse will ask you to empty your bladder, will check your blood pressure, temperature and weight, and ask you additional questions. You will change into a hospital gown and get onto a stretcher. You will have an intravenous line (IV) started. The IV is used to give you fluids and medications.

An anesthesiologist will talk with you about your anesthesia. This is the time to ask any questions or express any concerns about your anesthesia.

Your surgeon will also see you in the preoperative area and answer any last minute questions or discuss any concerns you may have.

Family Waiting Areas

It is recommended that a responsible adult accompany (18 years or older) you to the hospital. or health center. Your family and friends will wait for you in the surgery waiting area. After you have changed into a hospital gown and have had your IV started, one family member or adult companion will be allowed to stay with you in the preoperative room until it is time to go to the operating room.

Surgery often involves long waiting times for visitors. It is recommended that young children not be brought to the hospital or health center as visitors.

After the operation, your doctor will talk to your family or companion in the waiting room.

If you are being admitted, your family will be given your hospital room number. Your family may then get your suitcase or personal items from the car and wait for you in your room.