When surgery is completed, you will be taken to the recovery room until you feel able to sit up and dress. The length of time you will need to rest before leaving will depend on the nature of your surgery. We permit a family member or friend join you in our recovery room when possible. In order to prevent overcrowding we must limit visitors to one person at peak times. Therefore we ask that you not bring children or others who cannot remain unattended in the waiting room.
We want to be particularly responsive to the needs of children and want you to understand that they will be cared for by our Recovery Room nurses until they have awakened. At that time, parents will be encouraged to come into the Recovery Room to be with the child.
Please be certain you understand your physician’s instructions. You will receive instruction from our nurses regarding medication, diet, and rest requirements. The day of surgery and perhaps at the time of discharge, you may feel sleepy, tired and dizzy. Our advice is to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. For your own safety, it is important that you do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after leaving Santa Barbara Surgery Center. A responsible adult is required to sign you out, drive you home and be available to assist you as needed.
You should plan to have a responsible adult stay with you the night after surgery. If you experience difficulties or complications once you return home, please contact your surgeon immediately. If you cannot reach your surgeon and your condition requires immediate attention, you must call 911 or be driven to the nearest emergency room. You may also call the staff at the Santa Barbara Surgery Center any time between 7.00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at (805) 569-3226. For your safety, please do not wait to call for assistance if you have a medical need outside our normal hours of operation.
A Santa Barbara Surgery Center staff member will attempt to contact you after surgery to check on your progress. You will also receive a patient satisfaction survery form that will help us to continuously improve our delivered care in response to your suggestions.
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