Perioperative Services

 

Contact Information

(905) 521-2100

Perioperative Services Director: Leslie Gauthier

What is Perioperative Services?

All hospital sites provide perioperative services for inpatients and same day surgical patients (outpatients).

The multidisciplinary surgical team functions within a complex, fast-paced environment. The nursing team is comprised of graduates of a perioperative course and demonstrate knowledge and skill in caring for the surgical patient during the immediate preoperative, intraoperative and immediate post-operative periods of the surgical experience. Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) nurses demonstrate knowledge of post anesthesia assessment and management of both adult and pediatric patients including airway management, neuro assessment, pain management and invasive pressure line and cardiac monitoring.

Who does it serve?

The Henderson Operating Room provides care to a high volume of critical/acute adult surgical patients.  The focus of their eight operating theatres is Oncology and Joint Reconstructive Surgery and adult Urology.  The PACU is staffed 16 hours per day with RNs available on call for emergency surgeries.

The Henderson PACU provides care to a high volume of critical/acute adult surgical patients. Both inpatients and same day surgery patients are cared for in the PACU.  The PACU is staffed 16 hours per day with RNs available on call for emergency surgeries.

Number of ORs - 8

Number of Cases (2002/03)  7755

The McMaster Operating Room provides care to a high volume of critical/acute adult, pediatric and neonatal surgical patients.  The focus of the McMaster OR is neonatal, pediatric and women's health surgical specialties.  The multidisciplinary surgical team functions within a complex, fast-paced environment.  Both inpatients and same day surgery patients are cared for in the OR.  The Operating Room is staffed 24 hours per day.

The McMaster PACU provides care to a high volume of critical/acute adult and pediatric  surgical patients. Both inpatients and same day surgery patients are cared for in the PACU.  The PACU is staffed 16 hours per day with RNs available on call for emergency surgeries.

Number of ORs - 8

Number of Cases (2002/03)   10,754

The Hamilton General Operating Room provides care to a high volume of critical/acute adult surgical patients.  The focus of the General OR is cardiovascular, neurosurgery and adult trauma surgery.  The multidisciplinary surgical team functions within a complex, fast-paced environment.  Both inpatients and same day surgery patients are cared for in the OR.  The Operating Room is staffed 24 hours per day.

The Hamilton General PACU provides care to a high volume of critical/acute adult surgical patients. Both inpatients and same day surgery patients are cared for in the PACU.  The PACU is staffed 24 hours per day.

Number of ORs - 10

Number of Cases (2002/03)  7644

Perioperative Services at HHS

In addition to the operating rooms and PACUs at the three acute care sites, Perioperative Services also encompasses:

Endoscopy Units (3 sites) - providing endoscopy, colonoscopy and bronchoscopy services to both inpatients and outpatients

Same Day Surgery units (3 sites) - surgical preparation and recovery of outpatients

Pre-operative clinic (3 sites) -  pre-operative assessment of surgical patients by nursing, anesthesia and/or internist

Pain Management Center at the Hamilton General Hospital represents the largest University and Hospital affiliated pain clinic in Canada, with dedicated clinic and procedural facilities. The centre provides treatment to patients who suffer from chronic pain. These treatments include pain blocks, acupuncture and radiological procedures. It is anticipated that 2000-2500 new patients will be seen each year, and approximately 10,000 patient visits will occur.

Our focus is on the medical management of pain, including blocks (epidural cervical, thoracic, lumbar) lumbar sympathetic blocks,  stellate ganglion blocks, facet joint injections) Radiofrequency lesioning rhyzotomy,  trigger point injections, paravertebral injections, a variety of minor nerve blocks and acupuncture.

Some of the conditions we treat include:

·        a variety of non-malignant pain including back and neck pain related to MVA, workplace injuries, repetitive strain injuries, abdominal pain, and headaches

·        neuropathic pain including post herpatic neuralgia,

·        complex regional pain syndrome 1 and 2,

·        and some palliative interventional nerve blocks

The Perioperative Team

Physicians - surgeons and anesthesiologists

Specialties include cardiac, vascular, neurosurgery, general surgery, orthopedics, plastics, gynecology, urology, oral surgery, ophthalmology, pediatrics, otolaryngology, pain management and trauma.

Registered Nurses

• demonstrated knowledge and skill in caring for the surgical patient during the immediate preoperative, intraoperative and immediate post operative periods of the surgical experience
• ability to function as the circulating or scrub nurse

Registered Practical Nurses

• demonstrated knowledge and skill in caring for the surgical patient during the intraoperative phase of care as the scrub nurse

Business Clerks

• knowledge of ORSOS, Meditech

Health Care Aides

• knowledge of handling of sterile supplies and complex technical equipment

Environmental Aides

• knowledge of infection control practices
• environmental cleaning of the surgical environment

Registered Respiratory Care Practitioners

• knowledge and care of anesthetic machines, airway management