Confluence opens new facility for pre-surgical patients

WENATCHEE — A new clinic designed to make it easier for patients to get all the tests they need prior to surgery at Central Washington Hospital was celebrated with a ribbon cutting Tuesday. 

Adam MacDonald, corporate communications program manager for Confluence Health, said the goal is to make the preparation for surgery as easy as possible, and to ensure doctors have all the information they need. 

“Many of these tests or requirements would have been done in different areas previously, but this helps bring them together,” MacDonald said in response to an email from the Columbia Basin Herald.  

Patients will be able to get complete medical profiles, x-rays, a complete blood count, urinalysis, electrocardiograms and other tests at the new Pre-Anesthesia Testing Clinic located at Confluence Health-Central Washington Hospital.  

The clinic will open Feb. 9, according to a Confluence Health press release.  

“The PAT clinic provides patients with comprehensive medical evaluations and education before surgery, helping them understand expectations, address underlying health concerns and reduce risks that can affect surgical outcomes,” Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Allen said.  

Clinic employees will help patients obtain and organizer alle test results from Confluence and other facilities to ensure the surgeons have all the information they need, the press release said.  

“The new clinic also uses Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols, which have been the standard practice for more than a decade and are proven to shorten hospital stays, decrease postoperative pain and the need for pain-relieving medication, reduce complications and admissions, and increase patient satisfaction,” said Liz Dittbrender, vice-president of perioperative and procedural services.