Recovery after surgery is individual and time intervals may vary. The Post-Anesthesia Care Units (PACU) closely monitor the patient after surgery and attend to comfort and safety needs.

Families and patients are reunited once the recovery is complete. Families will be directed to the patient’s room if he or she is admitted to the hospital. If the patient is returning home after surgery, the family will meet the patient and learn together how to best provide care in the home environment. Special visiting arrangements will be made if the patient has a
prolonged recovery in PACU.

Patient safety and comfort are foremost after surgery. Each patient is assessed and treated individually and must meet defined criteria before being moved to their patient care unit or being released to return home. The patient care staff understands that each patient may have his or her own concerns, and that each situation and procedure is different. The staff will assess each patient continually to ensure safety and to manage any post-operative discomfort. The anesthesiologist, surgeon and nursing staff work together to develop an individualized pain management regimen for each patient.