Ambulatory Care Center
Gifford’s ambulatory care center is designed to meet the unique needs of a patient admitted the day of a scheduled surgical procedure, or a patient whose surgical procedure can be provided without an overnight stay. The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is part of the center so we can provide seamless continuity of care.
Our low nurse-to-patient ratio allows us to provide individualized care in a warm, friendly environment. We want to make surgery as comfortable as possible for our patients, and to be sure that they leave us feeling confident and educated about their recovery.
Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology is a branch of medicine associated with the administration of medications to induce partial or total loss of sensation. These medications may be topical, local, regional or “general,” depending on the method of administration and the area of the body that is affected.
Anesthesiologists (doctors who specialize in anesthesia and pain management) care for surgical patients and women in labor, and also see patients referred by their Primary Care provider for assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
Infusion Clinic
Patients who need prolonged intravenous infusions of antibiotics or other medications are seen by our experienced, specially trained nursing staff in the Ambulatory Care Center. After hours and on weekends the team on our inpatient floor provides this care. Providers schedule these services through our Ambulatory Care Center (even if not a Gifford provider).
Pre-Operative Clinic
Gifford’s Pre-Operative Clinic provides medical clearance to patients having surgery or a surgical procedure (such as a colonoscopy). The clinic is primarily used by those needing additional medical evaluation or intervention prior to surgery. It is staffed by a registered nurse and a physician who work closely with anesthesiology, primary care, surgical and, when appropriate, ancillary services, specialty and inpatient caregivers to optimize patients’ surgical outcomes and recovery times. Pre-operative exams can include:
- Vital signs check
- Medical history
- Instructions and information on the day of the procedure from walking in the door to recovery
- Review of medications and what can be taken prior to and following surgery (Please bring all medications with you to your appointments.)
- Noting any allergies you have
- Physical with the doctor
- Blood work
- EKG, if needed
- Chest X-ray, if needed
- Follow-up review of any blood work or diagnostic imaging
- Follow-up questions to the pre-op nurse
The Pre-Op Clinic is in the Ambulatory Care Center on the third floor of Gifford Medical Center. Your health care provider will refer you to the Pre-Op Clinic, and help to schedule your appointment. The pre-op physician is available by appointment on Thursdays in Randolph and at the Gifford Health Center at Berlin on Fridays, and the Sharon Health Center on Tuesday mornings.
