You'll get a call telling you:
- the date and time of your surgery
- how to get ready for surgery
- where to go at the hospital
Make sure you leave a phone number where you can be reached.
Surgery dates can change to accommodate emergency cases.
Support person
Choose 1 person to be your main support person during your surgery and recovery. Make sure your healthcare team knows the person's name and how to contact them.
If you need help with speaking or understanding English, tell a Pre-Admission Clinic team member when you are booking your appointment. They can arrange for an interpreter.
Pre-Admission Clinic
Before your surgery, you will likely have an appointment at the Pre-Admission Clinic. This appointment may be in-person or virtual.
You can bring your support person to your Pre-Admission Clinic appointment.
Also bring the following to your appointment:
- any medicine you take (over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal medicine) or photos of the medicine labels
- government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver's licence)
- your healthcare card
- handouts you've been given about your surgery
You'll be at the Pre-Admission Clinic for most of the day. The appointment may include:
- lab tests, x-ray, and an
electrocardiogram
-
an assessment by a nurse
- an assessment by the cardiac anesthesiologist
- a discussion about what going home after surgery (discharge), medicine coverage, financial aid, and caregiver support
If you have questions or concerns, talk with the Pre-Admission Clinic nurse.
It is important to have a family doctor after surgery. Tell the Pre-Admission Clinic nurse if you do not have a family doctor.
The night before surgery
Shower
Shower the night before and morning of your surgery. Use any special cleansing products as directed.
Take off all jewellery, make-up, and nail polish (fingers and toes), and take out piercings.
Diet
You'll be told what you can eat and drink before surgery and when you need to stop eating or drinking. If you eat or drink too close to your surgery time, your surgery may be
postponed or cancelled.
Medicine
Take your medicine as directed by your doctor or nurse. If you have trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor before your surgery.
Day of surgery
Have someone drive you to the hospital, and arrange for someone to drive you home when you're discharged.
Check in at the place you were told to go (like Admitting) at the time you were given.
Bring
- Alberta Health card and Alberta Blue Cross or other insurance card
- photo identification
- proof of medical coverage if you live out of Alberta
- handouts you were given about your surgery
- all your medicine (in original containers) including inhalers, aspirin, vitamins, herbals, and over-the-counter medicine
- 1 small bag with your name on it for personal items, such as glasses, hearing aids, a housecoat, and slippers
Do not bring
- valuable such as jewellery and credit cards
- more than $20 cash
- electrical appliances
Your support person can keep any items for you during surgery and bring you anything you need after surgery.
