Ambulatory Procedure Unit

Welcome to Ambulatory Procedures Unit

The Ambulatory Procedures Unit (APU) is comprised of two areas: Preoperative Teaching and the Same Day Surgery Unit (SDS). Staff rotate through the APU and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The APU provides services to SDS and Same Day Admission (SDA) patients pre- and post-operatively. All SDS and SDA patients should process through the preoperative teaching area at least two days prior to surgery to ensure laboratory results, EKG readings, and administrative requirements are completed thereby decreasing waiting time on the day of surgery.

Preoperative Teaching: Provides "one stop shopping" for SDS and SDA patients. Services available include EKGs, laboratory draws, preoperative assessment and teaching. Patients requiring radiological testing such as chest X-rays will be sent to the Radiology Department. An evaluation by an anesthesia provider is performed per Medical Officer request and RN request based on significant medical findings during their assessment.
Same Day Surgery: Provides care to patients admitted the day of surgery and postoperatively upon discharge from PACU. Preoperatively, patients are prepared for surgery using preoperative checklist. Postoperatively, patients are required to tolerate fluids, walk without dizziness, and have pain control prior to discharge. Minimum stay is 30 minutes after being transferred from the PACU.

Recovery Room (PACU): Provides postoperative care to patients after surgery. Patients requiring prolonged respiratory assistance or invasive monitoring will be transferred directly to the Intensive Care Unit from the operating room. Patient stay in the PACU is a minimum of 30 minutes.