Your transfer to the ward
Once your are medically stable in the post-anaesthetic care unit, you will then be transferred to the inpatient ward.
Once you are medically stable in the post-anaesthetic care unit, you will then be transferred to the inpatient ward. The Level 6 inpatient ward has 16 nominated medical beds and four high-dependency beds.
Your recovery
Once you are on the inpatient ward, the nursing staff will continue to monitor your progress by taking your vital signs. These can include your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and oxygen levels.
Nursing staff will also monitor and manage:
- your pain, and administer medication as necessary
- your wounds and dressings
- your nausea with medication
- any further tests following your surgery such as blood tests or x-rays
- your early ability to move around and any limitations following your procedure.
The morning after your operation, you will be reviewed by the surgical team to discuss your progress and your discharge date.
Managing your pain
Your pain may be managed in various ways. Your team will discuss pain management options with you both before and after your operation. Options may include: tablets, medicine through your drip, injection, or an infusion where you can press a button to manage your own pain.
In order to prevent post-operative complications, it is very important we give you enough pain relief so that you can take deep breaths, get out of bed and walk about. We often hear patients say they are fine as long as they do not have to move. Moving can play a key role in your recovery, so please let your nurse know if your pain relief is not helping enough.
Length of stay
Before your operation, your specialist will give you an idea of how long you will need to stay in hospital. If you are only required to stay overnight, the team will review you in the morning. They will confirm you can leave the hospital and give you the necessary paperwork.
If you need to stay longer, the team will discuss this with you and determine your care plan for the reminder of your hospital stay.
Discharge time is 10am.
Visitors
Visiting hours on our inpatient ward are from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.
Please note, relatives are not allowed to stay overnight with patients. Exceptions may be considered in some circumstances.
Discharge and your support person
Nursing staff will provide you with discharge education so you know your abilities and limitations when you return home after your operation.
The need for post-operative appointments will be decided by your surgical team. If a follow-up is required, the team may suggest you return to Mercy Health clinics, or see your referring doctor.
You will be advised of the appropriate follow-up care plan for you upon discharge.
Transfer to in home care
Some patients may need to be transferred to the Hospital in the Home program for continual care. The Hospital in the Home program enables you to receive hospital treatment at home with the support of hospital staff.
Last reviewed September 28, 2017.