2131 S. 17th Street    Wilmington, NC 28401    910-343-7293

The Outpatient Services Unit (OPSU) takes care of patients who are having cardiac catheterizations, invasive radiologic procedures and IV therapy or blood administration.   The IV infusion suite has six recliners.  Patients come to this unit before and after their procedure is done for preparation and recovery.

How to find the OPSU

Patients arriving for a procedure should go to the admitting office upon arrival at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.  A patient escorter will lead the way to the unit, which is off the main corridor.

What to expect

Most patients should plan to spend all day at the hospital.  This will allow time for pre-staging, the procedure, and post extended recovery, which may include bed rest for several hours.  The number of hours a patient will need to spend in bedrest is determined by their physician and the results of the procedure.  Patients should arrange for someone to drive them home after they have been discharged.  Most patients are in no condition to drive themselves home after their procedures.

Valuables / lockers

Patients are asked not to bring valuables to the medical center.  However, patient lockers are available for storing clothing.

Food

Although the OPSU does not provide meal trays, staff will serve snack packs which include sandwiches, pasta salad, applesauce or fruit, and juices for post procedure nourishment.

Visitation

OPSU has a family waiting area.  Due to space considerations, we ask that just one family member accompany the patient to the holding area.  Children under the age of twelve should not visit, unless they have a family pass.  For more on the network's visitation policy, click here.