The waiting area of St. Joseph’s Surgical Services is designed with family comfort in mind. Wifi access is provided for guests in the waiting area. Thanks to St Joseph’s comprehensive customer service initiative a monitor is also available to track patient progress during each step of their procedure.

The system uses each patient’s ID bracelet, coded with a private number, to communicate to a tracking device in the ceiling. Families can trace a patient’s progress using this private number, following their movement from Surgical Prep, to the Operating Rooms, and then to the PACU (post anesthesia care unit, also called the recovery room). The monitor also displays a room number once the patient is ready to be transferred and reunite with family member. In addition to easing anxiety and providing privacy for families in the waiting area, the system is also used by hospital staff to increase efficiency.

Throughout the process, a Surgical Services Family Liaison is available to answer any questions that may arise. The surgeon will meet with the family in the Waiting Room after surgery, unless special arrangements have been made.

The Hackerman-Patz House can provide overnight accommodations for patients traveling a long distance to the hospital for surgery. This service is available to families who may wish to stay on campus near their loved one after surgery.

St. Joseph is a faith based institution and we believe in a holistic approach to care for persons of all faiths and spiritual practices. For those patients and families who wish to take advantage of it, our Spiritual Care department provides a presence, prayer, support, dialogue and sacramental ministry.