Seniors Surgery Center: Catherine's Story
November 27, 2019Royal Treatment at the Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center
Following an outpatient surgery experience designed specifically for her, 80-year-old Catherine Harrison says the difference is clear.
For the best possible care during surgery, you want to find a place where treatment is tailored to meet your specific needs. For seniors, that means locating a highly skilled team of medical professionals who specialize in geriatric medicine and will work together to provide outstanding care.
Catherine Harrison, 80, found that and more - all under one roof - in the Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center at Holy Cross Hospital, a unique and innovative service where our doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, social workers and physical therapists work together to care specifically for patients age 65 and older.
"They treated me like royalty," says Catherine, who had cataract surgery in September. "From the moment I walked through the front door, they did everything perfectly."
Smooth Sailing
Jesse Harrison, Catherine's son, came with her on the day of her surgery and noticed some important differences in his mother's care right away. "The staff were very attentive to my mother, and they kept me involved and informed about her care."
Important steps are taken in our Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center to provide safety and comfort for our patients. The atmosphere is quiet with soft lighting and an inviting color scheme. The recliners and stretchers have upgraded mattresses. Floors are non-glare and slip-proof.
Because we know the important role caregivers play, the staff in the Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center take time to talk and listen carefully with patients and their family members. "They explained the entire procedure, how long it would take, and answered all of our questions," Jesse says. "And it was a huge relief to stay at my mother's side until the moment the procedure started."
Custom Care
"I performed cataract surgery, which is very common and generally a safe procedure," explains Narieman A. Nik, MD, FACS, ophthalmologist, Holy Cross Hospital."I prefer to operate at Holy Cross Hospital because the continuum of care in the Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center ensures my patients' needs are being met."
"Dr. Nik, his staff and everyone at Holy Cross Hospital were sensational," Jesse says. His mother adds, "All of them were professional, caring and understanding."
Immediately after the surgery, which was successful, Catherine was quickly reunited with her son and given extra time to recover in a quiet and peaceful environment. "The nurses checked on me several times to make sure I was comfortable."
Top-Notch Training
Nurses in the Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center are able to anticipate many of their patients' needs thanks to the special training they receive. The principles of NICHE (Nursing Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) training help nurses to be more aware of and sensitive to the unique needs of older patients while keeping them safe and comfortable.
For seniors having outpatient procedures, we do things differently before, during and after surgery in our Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center. Here's how:
Before
- Our pre-surgical process is fast, easy and straightforward.
- Patients or a loved one may conveniently register for surgery online.
- A few days before surgery, a phone call from one of our nurses covers all of the details surrounding the upcoming hospital visit.
During
- Our specially trained nurses anticipate and advocate for special safety measures for senior patients.
- Anesthesia is closely monitored with the unique needs of seniors in mind to ensure their safety and comfort.
- If the unexpected happens, our experienced team members are equipped with all the amenities of a full-service hospital.
After
- Extra time is allotted for seniors to recover in a peaceful environment.
- A follow-up call makes sure each patient's needs are being met.
- If further assistance is needed, seniors and their loved ones receive information about additional resources.