Admitting

There are various types of admissions when accessing care at Saskatoon Health Region. The following information helps you prepare for and understand what to expect with each type of admission.

Related information:

Types of Admissions

Same Day Surgery

Same day surgery patients are admitted to hospital the day of their operation and stay a few days following the operation. This allows patients to sleep in their own bed the night before the operation, which studies have shown to be beneficial.

Patients usually attend a pre-admission clinic a few hours before their scheduled surgery or before coming to the hospital. They will have also visited their doctor.
On the day of the operation, patients arrive at the hospital two to three hours before their scheduled operation. This time is used to prepare patients, answer questions and review teaching information. Patients are given required medications or pre-operative procedures at this time.
Patients then go to an operating room and given a general or local anesthetic. A general anesthetic puts you completely to sleep, whereas a local anesthetic puts only part of your body to sleep.
After the operation, patients go to a recovery room where they may spend several hours. Family members can wait nearby in visiting rooms.
When you are awake and ready, you will be transferred to a nursing unit where you will stay for at least 24 hours.

Most patients stay in hospital for a few days, depending on the type of operation.

Day Surgery

Day Surgery patients have an operation or procedure and go home the same day.

Patients should wear comfortable clothes to come to the hospital.

Patients are asked to notify their surgeon’s office as to where they can be reached on the day of surgery (if other than at home).
Depending on the type of operation, patients may go to another area of the hospital a few hours before their operation/procedure for additional information.
Patients are taken to the operating/procedure room and usually given an anesthetic. After the operation patients may spend some time in the day surgery or recovery area until they are ready to go home.
Although these operations or procedures take less time for recovery, it is important to understand that patients will require help going home after their visit. Patients are asked to make arrangements for someone to drive them home and to stay with them for a while.
Patients will be instructed about follow-up visits with their doctor or other requirements before they leave the hospital. Follow up questions should be directed to your surgeon’s office.

Tests and Other Procedures

Patients who are admitted to hospital for tests and other procedures stay in hospital at least one night following their test or procedure.

Your physician can estimate the expected length of stay.
Patients should arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home after your stay in hospital.
If patients need assistance at home after surgery, Home Care services are available by calling 306-655-4300.
Similar to preparing for surgery, patients may need to limit food and fluid intake. Patients will receive instructions specific to the type of test or procedure they are having.
Patient questions should be directed to your physician's office.
Checklist (PDF) of what to bring to hospital.

Outpatient Procedures and Ambulatory Care

Outpatient care (also known as ambulatory care) are health services provided to outpatients, or patients who are not admitted to hospital.

Outpatient care is provided throughout Saskatoon Health Region. For information specific to a hospital or program, see the links below from our Outpatient Services section.

Last Modified: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 |

Questions or feedback about this page?