After surgery or a procedure, the patient is sent to the PACU to recover and wake up. The PACU is a critical care unit with specially trained nurses where the patient’s vital signs are closely observed, pain management begins, and fluids are given.  

• You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable).  
• You will also be asked about nausea. 

• You can expect to be monitored for at least one hour or more.  
• You will be closely observed until you are stable.  
• Sometimes patient’s stay longer than expected, do not be alarmed!  
• The length of stay depends on factors such as type of surgery, the patient’s response to surgery, medical history etc. Every patient’s length of stay is different! 
• When ready, you will be transferred to your room in the hospital or to the Outpatient Surgery Unit where you will be prepared for discharge. Delays are possible.   

• This is a restricted area.  
• In the interest of protecting patient privacy & confidentiality, we do not allow visitation.  
• Please remember how important it is that your loved one rest after surgery which will help them receive the full benefit of their pain medication. 
• Under certain circumstances, when a patient requires special attention and/or assistance, arrangements may be made for someone to stay with the patient in the PACU. This would include a patient who has a disability or who requires a translator. 

Parents and/or caregivers will be invited to visit at the discretion of the nurse.