1p
improves ane of. iif Many adv nces come with the
lipment ‘and to S,. but eaualy

On: January 1, "4991, "Lions Gate initiated the Same Day Surgery
. Program, which admitted over 90 patients in its first 5 months.
- Patients are admitted the morning of surgery rather than the
day before. Same Day Surgery differs from Day Care and
Overnight Stay Surgeiy as patients recover in hospital for more
than one night. .

Patients requiring pre-surgery tests come in a few days before
surgery as outpatients, returning home after tests are
completed.

’ There are several benefits. Patients prefer to come into the
hospital the day of surgery. They enjoy a more restful night’s
sleep ia the privacy. of their home, and arrangements to care
for family and other matters are shortened by cne night.
Surgical waiting lists Secome shorter as acute care beds are
better utilized.

‘New surgical procedure gives gall bladder patients
quicker, more comfortable recovery

Laparoscopy isn’t new — developed over 10 years ago, this
procedure lets surgeons look inside a patient’s abdomen, using
lights, cameras and scopes with very small diameters. Several
small incisions are made instead of one 4-8 inch incision.
Originally a diagnostic tool, laparoscopy has recently been used
successfully to remove gall bladders.

Previous to this technique, a patient requiring gal! bladder
surgery was admitted to hospital fer 5-10 days. Considered
major surgery, recovery was slow. Patients eased back to
normal activities after several weeks or months.

Since April 16, 1991, Several suitable patients have had this
surgery at Lions Gate using the japaroscopy technique. These"
patients went home days seoner, with less pain medication.
Some spent only i night in hospital. About one-third of gall
bladder patients are eligible for this new procedure.

con't from page 2

development of vaccines,
antibiotics and other
pharmaceutical drugs gave the
health profession new methods of
treating previously devastating

conditions. Instead of having
patients admitted for asthma,
diabetes, and cancer treatments,
these patients were able to be
seen by their family physician and,
in consultation with specialists,
treated at home, no longer
requiring a lengthy hospital stay.
Current technologies and
medications allow physicians,
surgeons, nurses and health
technologists to treat and monitor
patients’ vital signs and even
support their lite systems such as
respiration, blood pressure, heart
rate, and brain activity.

basis, allowing patients who are
without complications to recover
in the comfort and privacy of their
home.

Lions Gate’s Same Day Surgery
Program, started January 1, 1991,
admits patients the morning of
surgery rather than the day before.
This change in admission service
gives patients a better night's
sleep, and reduces the time away
from home and work by one day.
Over 90 patients were eligible in
the first 5 months, and those who
used the program have reported
very positive experiences.

...con’t on page 4

Changes #1 public expectation

Public knowledge about heaithy
lifestyles, disease prevention and
attitudes toward institutionalized
care have also changed
dramatically in the past 20 years.
People want more choices, more
information, and more preventive,
restorative and rehabilitative care.
These changes have resulted in
new ways of providing treatment.
Outpatient programs see more
people per year than inpatient
services. Many procedures are
done on an outpatient or day care