If you or your family member is having surgery, the hospital and surgeon will take special precautions to assure that everything is done correctly related to your surgery. The patient will be asked to assist us several times prior to the surgery to assure we have the correct person, correct site and correct procedure. If possible, the surgeon will mark the site of the surgery with his/her initials. Other precautions, such as cleaning the site prior to surgery as well a prepping the site after arrival in the operating room, will be done to help prevent possible infections.

We appreciate your help in assuring that all possible precautions are taken to prevent any problems with your surgery.

Quitting Tobacco
Quitting tobacco helps you heal faster! Your hospital visit is a great time to quit smoking. Why now?

Smoking may slow your recovery from surgery or illness. It may also slow bone and wound healing.

All hospitals in the United States are smoke free inside each facility.

FirstHealth also prohibits the use of tobacco products on all of its outside campuses as well as in its facilities and vehicles—so now is a great time to quit.

FirstHealth Community Health Services offers FirstQuit, a comprehensive program using the latest techniques to assist tobacco-users through the quitting process. The program includes:

• Customized quit plan
• One-to-one health education
• Coping strategies
• Medication education
• Support group services

Proven tools to help you quit
FirstQuit staff members are trained in tobacco cessation and will work with you to develop a personalized quit plan. For more information, call (910) 715-1925 or toll-free at (877) 342-2255.

Discharge Plans

• Ask your doctor and nurse to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.
• Learn about your medications, including why you are taking them.
• Know what your recommended level of activity will be.