OakLeaf Surgical Hospital Makes Waiting Easier

By Dale Larson, Hospital Administrator, OakLeaf Surgical Hospital

When a patient is admitted to the hospital for surgery, their family members and significant others are an integral part of that patientęs surgical experience. These people are there because they care, to offer moral support, to provide transportation, and sometimes to serve as an additional listener when the patient is receiving valuable post surgical information and instructions that will be important for a successful recovery.

Whether a patient is at OakLeaf Surgical Hospital for an outpatient procedure or will be hospitalized overnight or several days, the OakLeaf Surgical Hospital staff will do everything possible to make the friends and family of that patient comfortable. During the day, a large lobby area designed with comfortable chairs and couches, arranged in small groupings, is available. The lobby contains a large screen television, a beautiful aquarium and an abundance of magazines and reading materials to help pass the time. For visitor convenience while they are waiting, there is a courtesy telephone, a table area for one to do paper work, and power for a laptop computer. The lobby always has complimentary fresh coffee and hot water for tea, hot chocolate or hot apple cider.

To allow for flexibility, pagers are available from the receptionist to allow family members or significant others to go across the street to the Oakwood Mall and still be notified in time to come back to the hospital when the patient has come out of surgery.

If the patient will be staying for an extended period of time or overnight, OakLeaf Surgical Hospital has food service available in the Bistro area. Here family or friends will find a sidewalk Cafţ setting in which to relax. The hospital Chef will gladly prepare any item on the menu fresh and hot off the grill, no food lines or steam tables. Special attention is given to those who are the –driver” and waiting for the patient to be discharged. The Bistro has hot coffee, milk, juice, fruit, and a variety of daily fresh baked goods available to those families who need to stretch and take a break. The Bistro area also has a desk, a telephone, television and an aquarium.

Regardless of where the family or significant other chooses to wait, the nursing staff will come find them and inform them of the patientęs status following surgery. One person may be invited to recovery to see the patient and be assured that they are fine. When the surgeon desires to speak to family or significant other after surgery is completed, the surgeon will find them either in the lobby or Bistro. A private consultation room is available if so desired.

Visiting hours are not limited unless the patient or physician requests restrictions. Family and friends are reminded that rest is the best medicine for a speedy recovery.

OakLeaf Surgical Hospital is a unique private hospital devoted exclusively to surgery. All professional medical staff, state of the art equipment, facilities and support are dedicated to the success of a patientęs surgery. OakLeafęs classic and comfortable hotel-like surroundings create an atmosphere of care, comfort and quiet. If you are considering surgery, talk to your physician about the surgical services and benefits of OakLeaf Surgical Hospital, designed exclusively for surgery.