Patient Education Mount Carmel St. Ann's Surgery Waiting Area | Page 2

Welcome to the Surgery
Waiting Area
While you’re waiting, consider the Surgery
Waiting Area your home base.

For Waiting Patients
If you are a patient, please check with the nurse
before using the restroom, as we may need a
specimen.

For Waiting Family & Friends
We realize that waiting while a family member
or friend has a surgical procedure is difficult
to do, but we’re committed to making your
experience here at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s as
pleasant as possible.
The receptionist is here to be your guide. Please
feel free to ask any questions or express any
concerns you may have.

The “Big Board”
The Case Number written on the front of this
brochure will enable you to track your loved
one’s surgical progress. This Case Number
corresponds to the number on the electronic
board in the Surgery Waiting Area. The Status
and the color on the board will change as
your family member/friend moves through the
surgery process.
Big Board Notes:
• Several statuses begin with “Preop” – all are
part of the patient readiness process.
• “Recovery” can take place in several
locations.
• “Discharge/To Unit” means that the patient
is no longer in Surgery – moved to Short
Stay Unit, patient floor or another patient
unit. See receptionist for further instructions.

Recovery Room
The surgeon will contact you once the
procedure is completed. Make sure you are in
the waiting area at that time. After your loved
one is recovered, our staff will notify you of
their next location.
Typically patients are in the Recovery Room for
one to two hours. For patient safety, visitors are
not typically allowed in the Recovery Room.

Breaks
If you step out of the waiting area at any time
during the day, please inform the receptionist at
the desk. This is very important if you wish to
speak with the doctor after surgery. Remember
to check in with the receptionist when you
return to the waiting area.

Reception Desks Unattended
In the event that the waiting areas are
unattended, please pick up the phone sitting on
the Patient Information Desk in the Main Lobby.
It will automatically ring the Hospital Operator,
who will assist you with your request.

In and Around the Hospital
ATMs
Automated Teller Machines are available in the
West Wing Admitting and the Maternity Pavilion
lobby areas.

Phones and Electronic Use
You may use your cell phone within the
hospital, as long as it is at least three (3) feet
from equipment used for monitoring or treating
patients. WiFi is available throughout the
hospital.

Chapel/Chaplains
The hospital chapel is located on the first floor
just off of the main lobby, and is open day and
night.
Chaplains are available upon request 24-hours
a day. Ask a member of your healthcare team to
call Chaplaincy Services.

Gift Shop
The hospital gift shop is open daily. It offers
an assortment of snacks, gifts, cards, flowers,
magazines, small toys, CDs, cassette tapes
and paperback books. A limited selection
of personal care items is also available. The
gift shop is located on the first floor of the
Maternity Pavilion.
• Open Daily, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.