Patient & Visitor Guide

Your Surgical Experience at Wilmington Hospital

1. Wilmington Hospital Campus

   

   From Jefferson Street, cross over 12th street and proceed straight toward the hospital.

   Wilmington Hospital
   501 W. 14th Street
   Wilmington, DE 19801 directions
   302-733-1000

2. Wilmington Hospital Campus & Parking Options

   

   The visitor's parking garage is available at all times. If the Jefferson Street garage entrance is closed, there is an alternate entrance on the opposite side of the building.

   Note: The visitor's garage is the closest one to the hospital.

3. Wilmington Hospital Campus & Parking Options

   

   If you decide to utilize Valet Parking, continue to drive to the end of Jefferson Street toward the hospital.  Turn right at the stop sign, then make the next left around the center island.

   Note:  Handicap parking is on the right after turning left around the center island.

4. Wilmington Hospital Campus & Parking Options

   

   Proceed ahead into the main circle for valet parking. Valet parking is available Monday-Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and closed on weekends.

5. Wilmington Hospital Campus Surgical Entrance

   

   Please enter the hospital through the Patient Entrance located near valet parking

   Note: Entrance door will not be accessible until 4:30 a.m.

6. The Surgery & Procedure Unit (SPU)

   

   After passing through the patient entrance, proceed to the elevator (s) and take it to the 7th floor. Turn right off the elevator and go through the "ambulatory suite" waiting room to the registration desk.

7. The Surgery & Procedure Unit (SPU)

   

   You will be checked in for your surgery and asked to have a seat.

   Note: Family members are encouraged to remain at the hospital during your surgery. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

8. Tracking System

   

   To help keep your family informed of your location during the surgery process, a number will be assigned to you. This number will appear on the tracking board located in the waiting room. Upon check-in, the unit clerk will provide you with this information. This is available in the 7th floor waiting room.

   Note: This tracking system is NOT available in The Center for Advanced Joint Replacement located on the 4th floor in the Brandywine waiting room.

9. Preoperative Preparation

   

   A patient care technician will lead you to the processing area. Your identification bracelet will be placed on your arm and you will be asked to state your name and birth date. You will be weighed, your vital signs monitored and you will change into a patient gown. In some cases, you may need  further blood work or an EKG on the day of surgery.

10. Preoperative Preparation

    

    A nurse will come in to review your health history, verify your surgical procedure and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your procedure.

    Note: Please leave all valuables at home and remove all jewelry before coming into the hospital.

11. Prep and Holding

    

    A staff member will escort you to Prep and Holding. You will lie on a stretcher and your heart and vital signs will be monitored. If indicated, your surgical site will be prepped. Each member of the prep and holding team will verify your vital information such as your name, birth date and allergies.

12. Prep and Holding

    

    An anesthesiologist will review your health and anesthesia history. The type of anesthesia you will receive will be discussed and any questions or concerns you may have about anesthesia will be addressed. An intravenous line (IV) will also be started. You will remain in Prep and Holding until you are taken to the Operating Room.

13. Operating Room

    

    Your surgery will take place in a state of the art operating room specifically prepared for your surgery. A Surgical Registered Nurse will greet you in the Prep and Holding area and accompany you to the operating room. She/he will remain with you throughout your surgical procedure. You will also see other personnel who will assist during your surgery.

14. Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

    

    After surgery you will be monitored in the PACU for approximately 1-2 hours. A nurse will assess your surgical site and monitor your heart and vital signs. You may receive medications as needed postoperatively. Once you have been stabilized and cleared by the anesthesiologist you will be transferred to the appropriate area.

15. SPU Discharge Area

    

    If going home the day of surgery, you will be transferred to the SPU discharge area. Vital signs will be monitored and you will be offered a beverage. When ready to go home (normally 45 minutes), your responsible family member/support person will be instructed to bring their vehicle to the patient entrance. You will be taken to the entrance by wheel chair as per hospital policy. You must arrange a ride home with a responsible adult prior to surgery.

16. Surgical Observation Unit

    

    If you are staying overnight after surgery, you may be transferred to the surgical observation unit. The nursing staff will help you into bed.

17. Surgical Observation Unit

    

    Your vital signs will be monitored and your surgical site inspected through out your stay.

18. Surgical Observation Unit

    

    You will receive medication for pain and nausea as needed. Your family is welcome to visit once you have been made comfortable and checked by the nurse.

    Note: If all beds on this unit are occupied or if you are staying more than one night in the hospital you will be assigned a room on another surgical floor.

19. Discharge

    

    When you are cleared for discharge home, you will be taken by wheelchair to the valet area (by the patient entrance) where your family/support person will be waiting with your transportation. For your safety, it is required for you to have a responsible adult available to take you home after surgery.

• If experiencing an emergency, dial 911
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