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U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1
Ideas Work
That
P
atients who undergo surgery on their
birthdays definitely deserve special treat-
ment, so we make a point to scan the case
schedule every morning to check if a patient is cel-
ebrating a life milestone. If they are, we surprise
them with a YETI tumbler filled with chocolates, a
cake and a happy birthday banner in either their
pre-op or post-op bay. It takes only a few minutes
to prepare the surprise, but recognizing a patient's
special day wipes away the stress they might be
feeling and brings a smile to their face.
Bill Willis, RN
Vance Thompson Vision
Sioux Falls, S.D.
bill.willis@vancethompsonvision.com
W
e send patients home with blue
neck pillows made from memo-
ry foam for ergonomic support
and personalized handwritten notes from
their surgeons. Some patients have lengthy
drives awaiting them after surgery, and the
pillows make their journey more comfort-
able. Surgeons also call their patients with-
in a day of surgery to check on them. The
feedback we have received from patients so
far has been wonderful. They tell us how
thoughtful the pillows and notes are, and
truly appreciate the gestures.
Emily Lupoli, RN, BSN
Barbour Orthopaedics Surgery Center
Atlanta, Ga.
emily@barbourortho.com
CARE PACKAGE Staff hand out "gift bags" to patients at discharge.
PATIENT PLEASERS
Pillows Make for a Better Ride Home
Emily
Lupoli
MAKE A WISH Patients who spend their birthdays in the OR are celebrated before or after
their procedures.
PARTY PLANNERS
Surprise Patients
On Their Special Days
Rachael
Oberman
