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Guide to Surgical Services

“We are determined that from the moment you enter the hospital, you will receive the best patient care.”- Director, Surgical Services, Perlita Herrera

We understand how serious having surgery is for our patients. The physicians, nurses, and staff at Olympia Medical Center are focused on making sure the hospital environment and experience is the best possible for you, your family, and friends.

As a patient at Olympia Medical Center, we want you to know you have the right to:

  • Considerate and respectful care
  • Have your pain managed well
  • Receive care in a safe setting
  • Reasonable responses to any appropriate requests made for service
  • Have your family kept informed about the progress of your procedure

The Day Before Your Surgery
A registered nurse from the surgical department will call you to confirm the date and time of your surgery, inform you about what to expect on the day of your procedure, and answer any questions you may have.

Some Important Reminders

  • It is vital that you DO NOT eat or drink anything 8 hours before your procedure, unless directed by your doctor. This includes chewing gum and hard candy. The process of digestion along with anesthesia can put your life at risk during your procedure.
  • Your doctor will give you instructions that you will need to follow, including how to take your prescribed medications during this time of fasting.

Personal Belongings

  • We recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing.
  • Please leave all jewelry and valuables at home. DO NOT wear cosmetics, nail polish, lotion, perfume, or cologne on the day of your surgery.
  • You may need to remove contact lenses, eye glasses, hearing aids, nonpermanent bridges or dentures before your procedure.
  • We will ask your family or friends to take possession of items removed prior to surgery.

 What Should I Bring With Me?

  • A list of your current medications, including dosage information.
  • Insurance cards.
  • Photo identification.
  • Any co-payment, deductible, or other necessary payment that may be due before your procedure (Olympia Medical Center accepts all major credit cards, checks, or cash).
  • Advanced Directive or Power of Attorney forms if you have any.

Transportation To and From the Hospital
You may receive medications for your procedure, which impairs your ability to drive for as long as 24 hours. For your safety and the safety of others in our community, please arrange for someone to take you to and from the hospital. Your procedure will be cancelled if you do not have a responsible adult accompaniment (friend or relative).

Arrival Time
Your surgeon will inform you of the time you should arrive at the hospital. It may be at least two hours prior to the start of your procedure.

Parking
Visitor parking is located at the parking garage at 5975 West Olympic Boulevard. Valet parking is available at the hospital, 5900 West Olympic Boulevard.

Validations will be given to patients coming to the hospital for same day procedures, day of admission to the hospital, and day of discharge. The hospital provides one validation per patient per day; if you must leave and return there will be a fee for subsequent parking.

Cars parked on Olympic Boulevard between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. are towed by the City of Los Angeles.

Visitors and Family
Visitors and family are required to check in at the concierge desk by the main entrance. For your safety and the safety of others, visitor passes are required at all times while on the hospital campus. Please let us know who to contact in order to provide updates during surgery.

We recommend children under the age of 10 be left at home with a caretaker or family member on the day of surgery.

Admission
On the day of your surgery please enter the main entrance of the hospital next to the Emergency Services Department. Once inside the building, the concierge will escort you to the Admitting Department.

During the registration process:

  • You will be asked various questions including your demographic information.
  • You will be asked to sign a Consent to Treat.

Preparing for Your Surgery
A qualified registered nurse will conduct an extensive health assessment. You will also be assessed for your potential for pain and you will be instructed on how to manage your pain after surgery. You anesthesiologist will meet you prior to surgery and answer any questions you may have. During this time, your family will be escorted to the surgical waiting room.

We recognize how important family and friends are at a time like this. As time permits, family members will be invited to join you once preparation for surgery is completed. The pre-operative suite can accommodate one person at a time.

During Surgery
We will make every effort to anticipate and ease any fears you may have on the day of your surgery. A member of the surgical department will call or visit your family or friends with updates.

You will be escorted to the pre-operative suites by an attendant. There you will meet your anesthesiologist, who will be able to answer any questions you may have at that time. Your family and friends will be shown to the lounge area. We will update them on the progress of your procedure.

Admission to the Post Surgical Care Unit (Recovery Room)
After surgery you will wake up in the recovery room. A registered nurse will be at your side to explain what is happening, reassure you, and make sure you are comfortable. If you need pain medicine, notify your nurse immediately. It is easier for your healthcare team to prevent pain than to catch up with it once it starts. Please note: family members are not allowed in the recovery room because it is a sterile area.

If you are being admitted to the hospital after surgery, you will be taken from the recovery room to our post-operative surgical nursing unit.

Leaving the Hospital
If you are going home after surgery, you will be taken from recovery to the outpatient waiting area where you will be prepared for your return home. We will inform your family or friends when you are ready for visitors.

Your family may remain with you until your doctor determines that you can go home. A small snack and drink will be available for you prior to leaving the hospital.

You and your family will be given instructions and information for follow-up care. If you have any questions about your recovery, please ask your doctor or nurse.

Home Again
Please call your surgeon’s office for a follow-up appointment. If you have a question or concern after you have left the hospital, please call your doctor. If it is a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

Once you have been discharged, you may receive a survey in the mail. We hope you will strongly agree that we have provided you with excellent service. Your completed survey is our way of knowing that we met our goal of providing you with the best patient care.

If at any time during your stay at Olympia Medical Center you do not feel you are receiving excellent service, we want to know. Please inform your nurse or you may call the surgical department at (323) 932-5389.

Important Telephone Numbers
Pre-operative Coordinator: (323) 932-5350
Between 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday

Patient Relations: (323) 932-5144
Between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday

For Billing Questions: (888) 346-0422 
Between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday

 Love, Compassion, and Tenderness…
are the oldest medicines in the world, and the cornerstones for Olympia Medical Center’s Surgical Services where concern and expertise extend beyond the patient to family members and loved ones. Individuality, dignity, and respect are the focus of our team as we work together to achieve the highest quality of life possible for each individual.