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Your Surgery Plan

Health care the way it should be!

Your doctor has recommended surgery. We want to make this easy for you and your family. This guide will help you plan for your surgery and recovery.

Questions?

Hanford: (559) 537-2508 Reedley: (559) 391-3955 Selma: (559) 856-6955

Please ask as many questions as you would like. Our award-winning team wants to help you.

Before Your Surgery

Two Weeks Before Surgery

  • If you are taking aspirin or medicine to thin your blood, ask your doctor when to stop.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Stop taking all recreational drugs, vitamins, herbs, or non-prescription medicine. For your safety, your surgery team may cancel your procedure if you have street drugs in your system.

The Week Before Surgery

  • You will need to pre-register so the hospital has your current information. For procedures in Hanford, go to the Hanford Medical Pavilion at 125 Mall Drive next to the medical center. For procedures in Reedley or Selma, go to that hospital.
  • To pre-register, you will need:
    • Driver’s license or photo ID
    • Insurance card
    • Co-pay if required
    • Paperwork from your doctor
  • If your doctor ordered tests such as blood work, X-ray, EKG, they will be done at this time.
  • A nurse from the pre-op clinic will call sometime this week to ask about your health history and medications.
  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home the day of surgery if you will be going home the same day. You cannot drive home or take a bus or taxi after your procedure.
  • Arrange for someone to stay with you at home the first day.

The Day Before Surgery

  • For procedures in Hanford, a nurse will call you after 2 p.m. to tell you what time to arrive. If you do not receive a call by 4 p.m., or if you have questions, please call (559) 537-2499.
  • For procedures in Reedley or Selma, a nurse will call you after 12 noon to tell you what time to arrive. If you do not receive a call by 3 p.m., or if you have questions, please call Reedley at (559) 391-4454 or Selma at (559) 856-7460.
  • After midnight, do not eat (not even mints or candy), drink, smoke, chew gum, or use tobacco.

The Day of Your Surgery

Personal Care

  • Please bathe or shower with antibacterial soap such as Dial ® or Chlorhexodine.
  • You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow any water.
  • Do not shave the area where surgery is to be done.
  • Do not use hairspray or any metal hair clips.
  • Do not wear any jewelry.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Medications

  • Take your heart, blood pressure, seizure and asthma medicines, and those given by the surgeon to take today.
  • If you take medication for diabetes, please ask for instructions when the nurse calls.

Bring with you:

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card
  • A list of all of your medications

Do not bring valuables (money, credit cards, jewelry).

Check in at the front desk. Admitting will check you in and put an ID bracelet on you, and you will be shown to the surgery area to get ready.

Visitors

You may have two visitors stay with you if you like. Children under 14 years old are not allowed to visit.

Children having surgery:

  • A parent or legal guardian must stay in the facility when a child is having surgery.
  • You may bring a favorite blanket or toy for comfort.
  • If the child still uses a bottle, you may bring one for use after surgery.

At the Hospital or Surgery Center

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown, and your nurse will complete paperwork and health screenings, start your IV, and answer your questions. The nurse will give you a patient gown to wear and a bag for your clothes. The bag will be labeled with your name and returned to you when you are ready to dress for going home.

Your anesthesia provider and your surgeon also will talk with you and answer any questions about your surgery.

You are the most important person in the operating room. Your comfort and safety are our top concern. If you have any questions, please ask us. If you would like someone to pray with you before your surgery, please ask a staff member.

After Your Surgery

The surgeon will speak with your family and answer questions, and you will be moved to the recovery room until you are awake.

If you are staying overnight, you will be moved to a hospital room after recovery.

If you are going home, you will be moved to the discharge area. You and your family will receive instructions for your care. You also will receive prescriptions to take to the pharmacy for any new medications your doctor wants you to take.

At Home

  • It is very important to follow all of your doctor’s orders.
  • Be sure to keep your follow-up appointment with your doctor.
  • Read the papers you received from the nurse. They include important information about how to take care of yourself after surgery.
  • If you have any questions, please contact your doctor’s office.

If you would like to speak with someone about your ongoing health and wellness goals and plans, you may contact our Wellness Center at (559) 537-1730 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Questions?

Hanford: (559)-537-2508
Reedley: (559)-391-3955
Selma: (559)-856-6955