If your loved one is having surgery at UPMC Shadyside, here's what to expect at the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
The Surgical Family Lounge is available 24-hours for family and friends of surgical patients. Greeters staff the lounge Monday through Friday, from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
We request that you:
The surgeon probably told you approximately how long your loved one's surgery should take.
Please remember, surgery may take longer than expected or may be delayed due to emergencies or previous surgeries extending beyond estimated completion time. The operating room staff may call to update you if there is a delay.
There is a communication (tracking) board in the Surgical Family Lounge. This board allows you to know where your loved one is in the surgical process.
Please ask the greeters at the desk if you are concerned with a delay or need more information.
Learn more about the amenities at UPMC Shadyside or see the greeters for additional services in the Shadyside neighborhood.
Your loved one’s surgeon will reach out to you after the procedure is complete by:
You should stay in the Surgical Lounge until you speak to the doctor. If you must leave the lounge, please provide our greeters with a number where we can reach you.
We understand you are anxious to know when your family member or loved one is out of surgery and how they are doing. However, this is a busy time for the nurse monitoring their progress and getting them settled.
Phone calls are not accepted into the PACU. Incoming phone calls will disrupt the nurse from doing important things and may disturb other patients.
We know you are anxious to see your loved one. It can take up to 90 minutes after surgery for PACU staff to care for and prepare patients for visitors.
As soon as your loved one is settled, the PACU nurse will call the Surgical Family Lounge.
Please note: we only allow one visitor at a time and ask that you limit your visit to five minutes.
We limit the number of PACU visitors to:
Additional visitors may see and speak to patients through video conference between the PACU and Surgical Family Lounge.
When entering the PACU, you should expect:
Your loved one may:
Don’t worry if you are unable to visit the PACU.
Our nurses are trained to provide the best possible care throughout the anesthesia recovery process and will update you on your loved one’s progress.