What is Pre-Surgery Services?
The Pre-Surgery Services (PSS) department at Gaston Memorial Hospital is a unique unit that is dedicated to meeting the concerns of our pre-operative and pre-procedure patients and their families. This department was designed to benefit everyone involved- the patient and their family, the physician or surgeon, the anesthesiologist and the hospital.
Because we care about your safety, a routine pre-surgical evaluation by a Registered Nurse may be needed in preparation for surgery or a special procedure. Your physician will let you know if this needs to be scheduled. Depending upon factors such as age and/or previous medical history, the pre-surgical evaluation may be done either in person or by telephone. This evaluation is your first step to a stress-free hospital experience. This small effort will not only put you at ease about your upcoming procedure, it will also help avoid delays on the day of your surgery.
What is the Purpose of the Pre-Surgical Appointment?
During this appointment, you will speak with a pre-surgical representative and a Registered Nurse. The purpose of this appointment is to perform a nursing assessment, obtain your medical history, and prepare your chart for your surgery. Depending on your surgery and health history, you may need to have blood drawn (phlebotomy), urinalysis, and/or a heart rhythm study (EKG). You will also be given instructions for the day of surgery and have the one-on-one opportunity with a nurse to ask questions and ease concerns.
How Long Will the Pre-Surgical Appointment Take?
The amount of time you spend in pre-surgery services will vary based on the number of tests you are to receive. Depending upon what you need, this appointment may take anywhere from 45-90 minutes.
How Should I Prepare for My Pre-Surgical Appointment?
Please remember, on the day you are given your surgery date, you must call 704-834-2914 to pre-register. On the day of your pre-surgical appointment, you will need to arrive at your scheduled time and bring the following with you:
§ Surgery Packet/Orders
§ All medications that you are taking (prescribed and over-the-counter, including herbs) and the containers in which the pharmacy gave them to you. You can click on this link to print a copy of the Wallet Medication Card; this card will help you keep track of your medicines, vitamins, and other dietary supplements. This is extremely important; if we do not have this information, we will not be able to evaluate you.
§ Driver's License
§ Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney (if applicable)
§ Co-payments (if applicable)
Also, please have the following information available:
§ Know the name of the procedure/surgery for which you are scheduled and have a basic understanding of the surgery/procedure and any risks involved.
§ A list of any allergies (i.e., to medications, food, soaps, dyes, tape, and latex) and type of allergic responses.
§ Recent health problems (cold, flu, etc.).
§ Chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, etc.).
§ Use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
§ Prior surgical procedures and anesthesia experiences.
§ All letters, test results, consent forms, physical examination report or any other information from your surgeon, family doctor, or medical consultant(s).
§ You can help by letting us know if you have any special religious, cultural, or personal needs or any seeing, hearing, or reading problems.
§ Your plan of how you will manage upon your discharge from the hospital.
The hospital does not require any special fasting prior to your pre-surgical evaluation. Feel free to take your medications as usual before you come for your appointment and wear comfortable clothing.
Where Do I Report on the Day of My Appointment?
Pre-Surgery Services is located on the first floor of the Professional Building, 2555 Court Drive, Suite 100, Gastonia, North Carolina. The Outpatient Lab (OPL) is also at this location.
How Do I Contact You? What Happens if I Cannot Attend My Appointment?
If you need to contact us prior to your appointment, or if your appointment needs to be rescheduled or canceled, please contact us using the information listed below.
PSS Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
PSS Phone: (704) 834-4335
PSS Fax: (704) 834-4343
OPL Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
OPL Phone: (704) 834-4335
OPL Fax: (704) 834-2778
The Day Before Surgery
The Surgery Department will call you on the day before your surgery/procedure to tell you what time you should arrive. If you have not been contacted by 3:00 p.m. on the day before your surgery/procedure, please call 704-834-2820 to confirm your arrival time.
The Day of Surgery
Follow the instructions that will be given to you at your pre-surgical appointment and report to the surgery location.