About Neurosurgery

Highland Hospital’s Neurosurgery Program is recognized for our dedication to the highest quality of care in a compassionate, comfortable, healing environment. This guide provides general information about the neurosurgery process at Highland Hospital. Your physician, nurse or other health care professionals may add or change the recommendations. Always use their recommendations first and be sure to ask questions if any information or instructions are unclear.

Your Treatment Team

Your team includes the region’s most experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists/geriatricians, physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, physical therapists, pharmacists, social workers and occupational therapists specializing in neurosurgery and care.

Surgeon

Performs your surgery and directs your medical care during your hospital stay. See our Neurosurgeons

Anesthesiologist

Meets with you immediately before your surgery to evaluate your general health and discuss anesthetic options.

Physician Assistant (PA)/Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Resident

Functions as an extension of the surgeon and assists during surgery and helps monitor your recovery.

Geriatric Physicians

Highland Hospital Geriatrics Group (HHGG) is a group of physicians who specialize in the medical care of older patients in a hospital. Available to assist surgeons in managing complex medical problems of seniors.

Nurse

The primary point of contact between you, your family and the rest of your health care team. Monitors and tracks vital signs, monitors pain control, administers medication, performs procedures such as IV placement and phlebotomy, and tracks your progress.

Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Assists nurses with your daily care. Takes vital signs, helps with hygiene routine, and assists you getting in/out of bed/chair.

Social Worker (SW)

Coordinates your discharge plan to home or to a short term rehabilitation facility.

Home Care Coordinator (HCC)

Arranges for services and equipment as needed in your home.

Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Monitors your oxygen needs and instructs you how to use an incentive spirometer.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Evaluates and assists you to complete “activities of daily living” (ADL) such as bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene while maintaining precautions. Teaches you how to use dressing and bathing equipment needed to achieve independence.

Physical Therapist (PT)

Evaluates and assists you with bed mobility, transfers, walking, stair climbing and exercises.

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

Our skilled pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can fill your prescriptions before you are discharged at the Highland Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy.

Dietician Technician:

Provides you with appropriate menu options while you are in the hospital.

Unit Secretary

Answers your call bell and informs your nurse, PCT, or other health care professional to assist you.

Environmental Services Aide

Cleans your room daily during your hospital stay.