Before You Arrive

Thank you for choosing Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center for your health care needs. We are dedicated to providing excellent, compassionate care to our patients. Becoming unexpectedly ill can be a very stressful and trying time. We are committed to helping eliminate as much of the confusion as possible.

In order to prepare, be sure to follow the below instructions.

Food

Please refer to the Pre-Operation Fasting Guidelines provided in your Surgical Packet.

Medications

If you are taking any medications, please bring all of your medications with you on the day of your surgery, in their original, labeled containers.

Medications you should take:
If you are already taking any of the following medications, you should take your usual morning dose on the day of surgery with small sips of water (as little as possible).

Heart pills/patches
Blood pressure pills
Lung/asthma pills
Respiratory inhalers
Seizure/epilepsy pills
Stomach pills you swallow whole, no chewables
Birth control pills

Medications you should not take the morning of surgery:

No insulin
No diabetes pills (such as Glucophage)
No water pills (diuretics)
No chewable medications (such as Tums, Rolaids, etc.)
No diet pills for 2 weeks prior to surgery

If you are diabetic, your blood sugar will be monitored closely upon your arrival.

If you take blood thinners or anticoagulants (like coumadin or aspirin) you should ask your surgeon when and if you should take your medication.

Call your surgeon’s office with any questions you may have about other medications not listed here.

Travel Arrangements

We cannot discharge you after surgery unless you have an escort. Please arrange to have someone provide you with transportation to and from the Medical Center the day of your surgery. It is also wise to have an alternate plan in case of an emergency.

Due to legal constraints, we cannot allow you to drive a car after you are discharged. However, you may ride in a bus or in a taxi if you are escorted home by a spouse, friend, or family member. Your surgery will be canceled if you do not make travel arrangements.

We recommend that two adults accompany each child who is having surgery — one to drive and the other to monitor the child on the way home.

Please contact your surgeon’s office if you need help securing transportation.

Illness

If you become ill in any way before your surgery, (a cold, fever, flu, etc.) please notify your surgeon immediately.

Smoking

Please do not smoke after midnight on the day of your surgery.

What to Bring

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
Bring a complete list that includes dosages of all your medications.
Bring a case for your eye glasses or contacts.
Bring any crutches, braces, canes, wheelchairs, or other devices you are currently using.
Bring your insurance cards and photo identification.
Bring written documentation of power of attorney or guardianship, if needed.
Bring any papers given to you by your surgeon’s office.

What to Leave at Home

Leave all jewelry at home including all body piercings.
Makeup, nail polish, hairspray, and hair pins should not be worn on the day of your surgery.

Before You Arrive

Patients