Our Patient and Families
Care is delivered primarily to adults who have received general, regional, or monitored anesthetic and pharmacologic support (MAPS). Pediatric surgical and other postprocedure adult patients may also be accommodated in the unit.

The postanesthesia care unit (PACU Phase I) is a 28 bay unit. The open room setup provides more than one vantage point for visualizing patients. Phase I recovery of the patients occurs in the PACU. Patients are stabilized and meet discharge criteria before transfer. One isolation room has been designated for patients as described in the Isolation Precautions policies of the Hospital.

The PACU Phase II is a 9 bay unit that admits outpatients postoperatively. Outpatients are recovered and prepared for discharge from the facility. The patients and their companions receive postoperative discharge instructions before they leave the unit. Outpatient surgery follow-up includes instructions to call with questions or concerns, return appointments as requested, and a courtesy telephone call by the nursing staff.

Preoperative holding (Preop) is a 23 bay unit where patients receive preoperative care. There are 17 fully monitored bays for patients requiring invasive line placement or regional anesthesia before transfer to the Operating Rooms.

Philosophy of Care
PACU provides intensive nursing care and acute observation for patients in all phases of perianesthesia care. Our goals are to provide the patient with emotional and physical support during the perianesthesia period, anticipate potential preoperative and postoperative problems through assertive nursing intervention, deliver intensive nursing care for optimal continuity of care, provide staff coverage with a mix of registered professional nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel for an unpredictable patient census, and to provide quality-nursing care through orientation and continuing education programs.