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We have an advanced surgical philosophy
at Midcoast Hospital, one that encourages patient independence while
insuring his/her privacy. We’ve decreased the time from pre and
post operation so the patient has less of a disruption in their wellness
cycle. They leave the hospital with confidence in knowing how to care
for themselves in the comfort of their own home. Studies have shown that
with this progressive approach to surgery, the patient experiences less
anxiety and feels more in control of their health. This results in a
shorter recovery time.
At Midcoast Hospital, we care for you
from the minute you are scheduled for a procedure until you are home
and recovering.
We work closely with the physician’s
office making sure your pre op visit or telephone interview is scheduled and
completed before the procedure. Midcoast Hospital offers many of the latest surgical
advancements including cataract surgery, total joint replacement, as well as,
shoulder and knee arthroscopy repairs, and hand specialty surgery. Of course,
MCH also can perform laparoscopic abdominal procedures, sinus surgery and kidney
stone lithotripsy. Why travel to Portland or farther when you can have you operation
performed close to home? If you have any questions, please call Midcoast Hospital
at 373-6100.
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After arrival and check in with the receptionist, patients are escorted
to their private room by nursing staff. An RN will verify important
information with the patient including name, date of birth, surgeon
and procedure. Preparation for surgery will take place in this area
with site scrubs and I.V. insertions being performed by your RN.
The nurse will also review educational needs; discharge plans and
answer any questions. Patients may have a family member with them
while they wait to go to the Operating Room.
The operating room is a clean, sterile environment. Personnel
working in this area wear special clothing. The operating room
nurse and anesthesiologist will meet you in your room. Once in
the surgical suite, the entire operating room staff will again
verify all vital information. The questions may seem repetitive
but this is to confirm correct patient and procedure.
When your surgery is completed, the anesthesiologist and
OR nurse will take you to the Recovery Room where an RN will closely
monitor you. You may be wearing oxygen, which helps you wake up,
and is not a cause for concern. Depending on the condition of all
patients in the Recovery room, a family member may be with you
for a short period of time. Not all patients require the Recovery
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A family member or friend’s support
is a vital part of your recovery, both in the hospital and at home.
The more they know
about your health and your surgery, the more helpful they can be to
you. Your nurse will be happy to talk to them about their questions
and concerns. We welcome their involvement in your care.
Your doctor and nurse will determine when you are ready to
leave the hospital according to set discharge criteria. It is natural
to feel both happy that you are going home and nervous about how
to care for yourself. Your doctor will give you instructions and
answer any questions you may have. The nurse will reinforce these
instructions; give you your prescriptions and discharge instruction
sheet that the doctor has written for you to take home. Within the
next week, you will receive a phone call from an RN to follow up
on how you are doing.
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family member/friend may stay with you in your ACU room.
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| Small
children should visit briefly and not spend extended periods
of time in the patient’s room.
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keep visits quiet and orderly so that patients can rest and
recover from their surgery.
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the nurse may have to ask visitors to leave.
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When you return to your room, you
may still feel sleepy and your I.V. will be in place. The nurse will
offer you water, ginger ale or apple juice according to the physician
orders. Theses fluids tend to be better tolerated on an empty stomach.
Once you tolerate such fluids, the nurse will offer you some food
choices following physician orders. When you are tolerating the fluids,
the nurse will remove your intravenous line. A nurse must accompany
you on your first attempt to get out of bed because you may feel
dizzy or weak from anesthesia, medications or the surgery. |
