At ­­­­­GNS Surgery Center, there is no higher priority than your well-being and the broader health of our communities. We understand the fear and concern surrounding this outbreak, and we are committed to keeping you and your family healthy and offer you peace of mind.  Although you may have concerns about the coronavirus, we are here to keep you informed.  We are closely monitoring the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and we are taking proactive steps to ensure your safety.

Our top priority, as always, is to deliver safe, high-quality care to you and all patients that we serve. All staff are screened daily and are required to wear masks. We understand the value our facility provides as an important site of access for patients needing ongoing healthcare diagnostics, procedures, surgeries and pain management in a controlled and safe environment, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in us.

We are working with local and state health departments, and are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and recommendations.  In our operating rooms and across all patient care areas, we provide the highest level of cleaning and disinfecting by following guidelines from the CDC and the Association of Operating Room Nurse (AORN).  As we work together to keep patients, visitors and our team’s safe, here’s what you can expect from us:

Prior to surgery

One week prior to the date of your surgery you will need to begin to self-monitor at home by taking your temperature and monitoring for cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing (flu-like).  Please call the facility if you develop a fever or any flu-like symptoms.

A few days prior to surgery we will call you and ask you screening questions about your general health.  At this time you will be instructed to continue to monitor yourself at home.  You should stay away from anyone who has had recent travel, had flu-like symptoms, or has tested positive for coronavirus. Again, please notify the facility for any changes in your general health.

If at any time within the 7 days prior to your procedure you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms please call the facility at 706-543-9222 and provide us with notification.

Arrival to GNS Surgery Center on the day of Surgery

The patient will call us upon arrival, and we will meet you outside in the hallway.

One visitor is allowed in the waiting room, and we no longer require masks to be worn.  That is patient preference.  No visitors are allowed into the preoperative and recovery areas at this time. Family will be notified when the patient is admitted to preop, when the surgery starts, and hourly thereafter.

We will contact your family member or friend via telephone upon completion of your recovery and will provide them with your instructions for discharge. After discharge instructions have been given, you will be taken to your family member/friends car to go home.

To learn more about coronavirus symptoms, visit cdc.gov

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is coronavirus?

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory (lung) illness. Flu-like symptoms are:

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Shortness of breath
4. Difficulty breathing

• How does coronavirus spread?
  1. Coronavirus can be spread in several ways. Please go to the CDC.gov website or follow this link for more information.

• How can I prevent contracting or spreading the virus?

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.
3. Stay away from people who are sick or have had recent travel
4. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then throw tissue away.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces.
6. Stay home when you are sick, except to receive medical care.

• What do I do if I think I have coronavirus?

1. Call your doctor right away for advice and minimize contact with others.
2. Stay home except to get medical care.
3. If you have shortness of breath, call 911 immediately.
4. Do not come to the surgical facility without clearance from your physician.

• Mask Options
  1. You may purchase a mask from Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart or like retail stores

1. You may wear a cloth mask or a disposable one can be provided to you if needed.

Please know that we have an unwavering commitment to the safety of our patients, visitors and our team.

Thank you for choosing our center to meet your healthcare needs.