Welcome to the Pre-admission Department of the Toronto Western Hospital. Our goal is to assist patients, so they are effectively prepared for surgery. We do this by co-coordinating all of the services and tasks that must take place before and after a patient has surgery. To ensure that all necessary steps for successful surgery are taken, and preventative measures are used to keep the chances for re-admission to a minimum; essentially, we strive for patient satisfaction. This online guide is an extension of that goal, it is to let you or your loved one know what they can expect when visiting the hospital for surgery; thus, removing the mystery of the process and making your visit to the hospital as comfortable as possible. Visit our About UHN page to learn more about the hospital.

When you arrive for your visit prior to surgery, the Client Services representative in the Pre-admission Department will register you. You will be asked for your Health Card (OHIP card) and any health insurance cards or policy numbers that are applicable to the surgery. Please check with your insurance company to confirm coverage before these preparations for surgery are underway. Once you are checked in, you will have blood tests and any other tests that can be performed onsite at that time. To find out more about blood work click here.

The nurse will then complete a health care assessment. In order to guide you through the surgical experience, the nurse will speak with you about the process and any specific instructions to follow before undergoing the surgery. Take a look at our Nursing section to learn more about who you will see on your Pre-Admission visit. Most often, you will be asked to fast before surgery. For those instructions and other ways to prepare take a look at our Preparing For Your Stay section.

The visit to the Pre-admission Department is essential for elective surgery; therefore, if you do not show up for your appointment, the surgery may be cancelled. The time spent in the Pre-admission Department can range from 1 to 6 hours, and depends upon the complexity of your condition and the number of tests nessessary for the health care team. If you are late arriving at the Pre-admission Department, your appointment will have to be rescheduled.

Once your situation is assessed, the nurse will discuss what you are to expect on the day of the surgery. To see a brief overview of what the day of surgery will be like, visit our Surgery section. Once the surgery has been detailed, the nurse will schedule an appointment to see an anaesthetist and/or any other doctors. If you’d like to know more about Anesthetic, take a look at our Anesthetic section or to find out about how pain is managed and how the medication is administered, take a look at the Pain Management section. The nurse may then discuss considerations for after surgery. Take a look at our Post-Surgery section to find out more about pain management and consideration for care after surgery.

We hope this site sheds some light on your expectations for you or your loved one’s surgery. Please e-mail or call with any questions or concerns before the surgical procedure.

The Pre-admission Dept

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