Holy Cross Hospital
Surgical Services
Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center

Holy Cross Hospital’s unique Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center opened in August 2009 to care for patients 65 and older who are having outpatient procedures or surgeries.

Similar to our Seniors Emergency Center – which opened in November 2008 as the first of its kind in the nation – our new Seniors Ambulatory Surgery Center provides care tailored to the specific needs of seniors. Our goal is to provide expert care while reducing anxiety and confusion in our patients. We achieve this by the attentive way our staff talks and listens; with the quiet, private atmosphere we provide; and by how closely we involve family and caregivers.

Before Surgery: Personal Attention to Get You Ready
Our entire presurgical process for ambulatory surgery patients is now faster, easier and less confusing. Our new registration method gathers important information about patients and their upcoming procedures.

To simplify the process further, patients—or one of their loved ones— can even register online.

A few days before surgery, a phone call from a Holy Cross Hospital nurse will cover the details surrounding a patient’s ambulatory surgery hospital visit, including the patient’s existing health conditions, medications, spiritual needs, and how he or she will return home. The nurse also will use this time to determine the patient’s awareness level and ability to care for him or herself upon leaving the hospital. If necessary, the nurse will review various follow-up services available at home or in the community through Holy Cross Hospital.

During Surgery: Care that Gives You Peace of Mind
Operating room nurses at Holy Cross Hospital are trained to be advocates for senior patients.

Nurses watch for correct positioning of the patient’s body to protect fragile joints and bones, take special precautions to safeguard delicate skin, and use gel pads to properly protect and align the patient’s body during the surgery.

As people age, they may experience a slower metabolism, become more sensitive to drug dosing, have multiple health issues and take a greater number of medications. All of these factors are accounted for during surgery. As changes occur in a patient’s reaction to anesthesia, we respond with modifications of the anesthetic to ensure safety and comfort.

If the unexpected happens, our experienced team members are equipped with all of the amenities of a full-service hospital. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced clinicians, Holy Cross Hospital offers peace of mind to our patients.

After Surgery: Extra Time to Recover
Patients 65 and older tend to recover more slowly, so we give them extra time to recuperate in a peaceful environment. Here they can regain their strength and confidence and make a seamless return to their home or other care setting.

The center features six bays containing recliners and stretchers with upgraded mattresses; soft lighting; noise-absorbing materials; an inviting color scheme; and non-glare, slip-proof floors.

Once patients leave the center, the personal attention doesn’t end. As part of a continuum of care, all patients receive a follow-up phone call from a nurse to make sure each patient’s needs are being met.

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Holy Cross Hospital | 1500 Forest Glen Road | Silver Spring, MD 20910 | 301.754.7000
A member of Trinity Health