Drumroll please…… the answer is “no.” Not exactly what you wanted to hear, right?
(Note: If your procedure involved only a local numbing agent (and no sedation or medication that can make you drowsy), you MAY be able to go home on your own. Every clinic has its own policies, though, so never assume – you must check with your surgeon’s office beforehand.)
Hospitals require patients to leave with a responsible adult after surgery, particularly if they’ve received general anesthesia, IV sedation, or certain types of pain medication. While taking an Uber or taxi is perfectly acceptable, you cannot take one by yourself. Someone has to accompany you in the Uber or taxi.
But Even If I Feel Fine?
This is probably one of the most common questions patients have.
Even if you feel completely awake and “ok,” the effects of anesthesia or sedation can continue for several hours after you’re discharged. Your balance, coordination, reaction time, judgment, and memory may still be affected, even if you don’t realize it. That said, you would never know until AFTER what your condition would be anyway.
Hospital discharge policies aren’t meant to inconvenience you. They’re designed to help keep you safe during those first important hours after your procedure. They’re also designed to protect the hospital, of course.
Why Doesn’t the Uber Driver Count?
An Uber or taxi driver is there to provide transportation from one location to another. They aren’t able to wait inside the hospital for an unknown amount of time while your procedure is taking place or while you’re waiting to be discharged.
The person accompanying you home needs to be available when the hospital calls, meet you inside, and be prepared for the fact that surgery schedules can change. Depending on your procedure, they may need to spend time waiting in the hospital or arrive earlier than originally expected if your surgery finishes ahead of schedule. Not only that, but often the person who is going to pick you up will have to start travelling way before they get a call due to distance and travel time.
That’s one of the biggest challenges for family and friends. Taking several hours away from work or other responsibilities isn’t always possible, especially when discharge times can change throughout the day.
Uber drivers also aren’t responsible for monitoring your condition, helping you safely into your home, or recognizing if you’re becoming dizzy, confused, or unwell after surgery.
What If I Don’t Have Anyone Available?
This situation is much more common than people realize.
You may live alone, have recently moved to the area, have family who live out of town, or simply know that your friends or relatives can’t easily take time off from work. OR maybe you don’t want to ask for a favour, as though someone feels obligated to help you.
The good news is that there are services out there to help you.
How Miss Happy Helper Can Help
If you are in the Metro Vancouver area, rather than worrying about who to ask or scrambling to find someone at the last minute, you can arrange for Miss Happy Helper to step in.
Trina will meet you at the hospital, assist with your discharge, accompany you home in an Uber, and help make sure you get safely inside. Her goal is to give you one less thing to worry about so you can focus on your procedure.
Learn more about how this works: Day surgery support.
Contact Miss Happy Helper today if you are located in the Lower Mainland and get some peace of mind in advance of what may be a stressful day for you.