**Peace Arch Hospital surgery-prep project expanding**

A program at Peace Arch Hospital designed to better prepare patients for surgery is expanding, thanks to its proven success in improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital stays. The initiative, which focuses on optimizing patients' health before they even enter the operating room, has been lauded by medical professionals, including anesthesiologists, for its significant positive impact.

The "pre-habilitation" program, as it's often referred to, centers around a comprehensive assessment of each patient scheduled for surgery. This assessment goes beyond the typical pre-operative checks and delves into a patient's overall health, including their nutritional status, physical fitness, and mental wellbeing. Based on this assessment, patients receive personalized recommendations and support to improve their health in the weeks leading up to their surgery date.

These recommendations can range from simple dietary changes and exercise routines to smoking cessation programs and stress management techniques. The goal is to ensure patients are in the best possible condition, both physically and mentally, to withstand the stress of surgery and recover more quickly.

According to Dr. [Anesthesiologist's last name - assume it exists, as the title implies the anesthesiologist is known], an anesthesiologist at Peace Arch Hospital, the benefits of this pre-surgery focus are clear. “We've seen a marked improvement in patient outcomes since implementing this program,” Dr. [Anesthesiologist's last name] explains. “Patients who are well-prepared for surgery tend to experience fewer complications, require less pain medication, and are often able to return home sooner.”

The program's success has prompted hospital administrators to expand its reach, making it available to a wider range of patients undergoing different types of surgical procedures. The expansion will involve increasing staffing levels and resources dedicated to the program, as well as developing new educational materials and support services for patients.

This proactive approach to surgical care is gaining traction across the healthcare landscape, as hospitals increasingly recognize the importance of optimizing patient health before surgery. By investing in pre-habilitation programs like the one at Peace Arch Hospital, healthcare providers can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall patient experience. The expansion of the program at Peace Arch Hospital signifies a continued commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the community.