Our nurses help you and your family prepare for discharge (leaving the center). Discharge instructions will be given to the person who remains with you in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. We will make every effort possible to safeguard your privacy. Therefore, if you do not wish for information regarding your procedure to be discussed in front of those accompanying you, please call the center before your arrival to make other arrangements.

Specific instructions will be discussed with you, and you will be given a written copy to take home. The staff will inform you of potential problems for which you may need to contact your doctor. Your surgeon's phone number will be included with the instructions. It is very important that you and your family understand the instructions for home care. Please let the nurse know if you have any concerns or if any of the home care instructions are unclear.

Your surgeon will give you prescriptions for new medications and information regarding your previous medications to continue at home. If you provide your pharmacy's phone number, the staff may be able to call in a prescription for pick-up.

Because you have recently received anesthesia and have undergone outpatient surgery, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home. Instead, a designated family member or friend should be present to assist you in getting home.

When you are ready to go, your family member or friend can drive to the exit door where you will be escorted to the car. You may want to bring a pillow from home to aid in your comfort during the ride.