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What to expect in your adult Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC) appointment

 

Helpful hints for your Pre-Admission Clinic visit

• Allow approximately 30 minutes for parking, finding the clinic, and registration.
• Registration will be done in the Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC).
• If you do not speak English, an interpreter can be arranged at no cost to you.  Sign language interpreters are also available. It is best to arrange for an interpreter through your surgeon's office or directly with the Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC) before you come to your appointment.
• Take your regular medications and eat your meals as usual.
• Please plan to be with us from 1 to 5 hours, depending on your health and on the operation you are having.  Please try not to book other appointments on the same day. 
• We are a scent-free environment, so please do not wear any scented products. This includes aftershave and scented deodorant.
• Do not wear tights, pantyhose or long underwear for your Pre-Admission Visit

Helpful hints for your Pre-Admission Telephone Interview:

• Allow approximately 30 to 45 minutes for the telephone interview
• Have your health card available, all medication bottles to include over the counter drugs and herbal remedies that you are currently taken
• Conduct the interview in a quiet area free from distractions
• May use cell phone but not while driving or shopping
• Have a pen and paper handy to jot down any additonal information you might need
• Please answer only what is being asked as we value your time committments as well as our staff's time
• Be available at the scheduled time;if not, please call 519-685-8500 extension 55960 to rebook your appointment

 

Why do you need a Pre-Admission appointment?

1. To help you get ready for your operation.
2. To talk about your hospital stay.
3. To learn about what to expect when you go home. (Letter to Patients about LHSC's Hospital Discharge Policy)
4. The health care team will need to know about your current and past health, your previous operations, and your medications and allergies, to include drug, food and environmental allergies. In particular, you may be asked regarding specific allergies to tape, metal and latex.
5. To answer your questions and to deal with your concerns.

 

How do I make my Pre-Admission Clinic appointment?

• Please check with your surgeon’s office. They may make your appointment for you or they may ask you to make your own.
• You may be instructed to attend the Pre Admission Clinic for your visit or have a telephone interview arranged with the Pre Admission Nurse
• To make, change, or cancel your appointment, please call:

  Victoria Hospital Pre-Admission Clinic:
  519-685-8500 Ext. 55960 between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  University Hospital Pre-Admission Clinic:
  519-685-8500 Ext. 33709 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  
  Please note: if you do not come for your booked Pre-Admission appointment, your operation may be cancelled.

 

What will happen during your Pre-Admission appointment?

1. You will see a Pre-Admission Clinic Nurse.
2. You may see:
• Anesthesiologist and/or medicine consultant (Refer to Anesthesia and You)
• Nurse Practitioner on behalf of your Surgeon (if you are not seeing your Surgeon)
• Blood Conservation Nurse
• Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
• Social Worker
• Speech Therapist
• Dietician
• Nurse Clinician from the Acute Pain Service (Refer to Managing Your Pain)
• Researcher
3. You may have blood work, urine specimen, an electrocardiogram (ECG), E-rays, and other tests. 
   
4. You will  be given preoperative and postoperative information about your surgery, which will be a guide for you before and after your hospital stay. 
   
   Same Day Admission Surgery Program Pamphlet
   
   Patient Information Day Surgery Program Pamphlet
   

What should I bring to my Pre-Admission Clinic appointment?

• A family member or friend if possible
• Reading glasses and/or hearing aids
• Health cards (LHSC and OHIP)
• Supplemental health insurance information
• Money for parking
• Lunch/snacks or money to purchase them
• All of your medications, patches, inhalers, drops, and ointments in their original containers
• All vitamins and herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs
• Your pharmacy name, phone number, and address
• Your general practitioner’s and specialist’s name and phone number
• Information or test results that your doctor has given to you

What should I expect on the days before my surgery?

• Some patients will be given special instructions to prepare for their surgery. These will be discussed and written down for you at the time of your Pre-Admission Clinic appointment. You will also be given a contact number by your nurse for any “before surgery” concerns. Special instructions may include:
  • bowel cleansing (laxatives and enemas)
  • changing, adding or stop taking certain medications
  • special skin washes
  • changes in diet
    
• On occasion, some patients need to return to the Pre-Admission Clinic for further testing and/or assessments before being cleared for surgery.
  
• You may be required to purchase medical devices such as TED anti-embolism stockings (to prevent blood clots postoperatively), neck collars, crutches, braces, etc. These may be purchased on the day of surgery at the hospital.  These may be covered by any secondary health insurances.