Advances in diagnostic testing, anesthesia and surgery make it possible for patients to spend far less time in the hospital today than in the past. For certain surgical and other procedures (such as a myelogram or cardiac catheterization), patients are admitted to the hospital on the same day the procedure takes place. Your doctor will tell you if you will be admitted on the same day. If so, remember the following guidelines:
On the working day before surgery:
Please confirm your operating room and arrival times by calling (617) 732-7625 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The night before surgery:
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Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes water, candy, gum, vitamins, etc.
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Do not smoke the night before surgery, unless you discussed a different plan with your doctor.
The day of surgery:
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You may brush your teeth or use mouthwash, but be careful not to swallow any of it.
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Do not eat or drink anything.
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If you wear contact lenses, please leave them at home and wear glasses.
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Do not bring any valuables with you, such as rings and other jewelry, credit cards, checkbooks or large amounts of cash.
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Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing that easily can be stored in a locker.
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Enter through the Main Lobby at 75 Francis Street and check in at the Admitting office.
Being Admitted from the Emergency Department
You may also be admitted to the hospital from the Emergency Department. If you were a patient in the Emergency Department, your doctor may determine that your condition requires you to stay in the hospital, based on the examination he or she did and any blood tests and x-rays that you may have had done.
It may take some time before we move you out of the Emergency Department to a bed on one of the inpatient units. The Admitting staff will locate a bed on the most appropriate unit for you. The doctor who cared for you in the Emergency Department will update your primary care physician about your condition, as well as other doctors and nurses who will be caring for you in the hospital. Additional tests may be required before you leave the Emergency Department. This process may take up to several hours.
You may call your family or friends once you get to your hospital room to let them know that you have been admitted. Your name will also be listed in the hospital computer so our staff can tell them exactly where you are and how to reach you.
Once your doctor has decided to admit you to the hospital, he or she will decide whether or not it is safe for you to eat and/or drink something. Some tests and procedures that you may need require that you do not eat or drink anything until after the test or procedure is over. If it is safe for you to eat, we will order a small meal from the kitchen. Once you are admitted, you can make your own meal selections.
