On this page:
Overview
After meeting with your surgeon and before your surgery, you will have an appointment with the Pre-admission Unit (PAU). This appointment helps the health-care team learn about your health and prepare for your surgery.
You will be contacted to set a date and time for your appointment.
This is an important appointment!
If you do not attend, your surgery may need to be delayed.
About the appointment
Your surgeon will schedule your PAU appointment two to six weeks before your surgery.
The appointment may be in person at the hospital or virtual (by phone or video).
A registered nurse will review your health history and explain any preparations you need to do before surgery.
Depending on your health, you may also meet an anesthesiologist (a doctor who specializes in giving medications to keep you safe and comfortable during surgery).
Sometimes, your appointment may take place over the phone or virtually on video. Please make sure you can speak freely about your health history.
How to prepare for your appointment
Review video(s)
You may be asked to watch videos about anesthesia options that may apply to your surgery. These could include:
Only the videos you have been asked to view will likely apply to your surgery.
Review the booklet
Please also read the My Surgery Pre-admission Unit Patient Education booklet. Maps are included in this booklet for you to find your way.
Read about visiting the hospital
Remember to review the Visiting the Hospital page for important information before you arrive.
What to bring to your appointment
Please bring all your medications in their original labelled bottles to your PAU appointment, including:
- Prescription medications.
- Over-the-counter medications.
- Creams, eye drops, inhalers.
- Herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements etc.
If your appointment is virtual, please have these medications ready.
You may also want to bring a copy of your Surgery Pre-admission Unit Patient Education booklet with you.
Length of hospital stay
Your PAU appointment will help your surgical team decide how long you will stay in the hospital. This may include:
Be discharged from the hospital the same day.
Be discharged from the hospital the next day by 7 a.m.
Stay in the hospital more than 24 hours.
Arranging a safe ride home
If you are planning to leave the hospital the same day as your surgery, arrange for a family member or friend to take you. A responsible adult must accompany you even if you are traveling by taxi or rideshare. These plans must be in place before your surgery date.
Stopping or reducing tobacco use
Stop smoking as far in advance of your surgery as possible. Smoking affects your heart and lungs and increases surgical risk.
COVID-19 testing before surgery
Patients who are scheduled for a non-urgent surgery that requires a general anesthetic are asked to complete a COVID-19 test 72 hours before their surgery. Similar protocols are being adopted by hospitals across the region.
If you require a COVID-19 test before your surgery, your surgical care team will advise you and provide you with additional information about getting tested.
Contact us
Pre-admission Unit – Carling Avenue
613-738-8456
1081 Carling Avenue
Unit 601
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G2
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pre-admission Unit – Eye Care Centre
613-738-8387
The Ottawa Hospital – Riverside Campus
3rd Floor
1967 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9
Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.