The Smith Lounge is the surgical family waiting room at Rush University Medical Center. Surgery can be stressful for families, so we want them to be as comfortable as possible while their loved ones are in surgery.

By registering with the receptionist in the Smith Lounge, families will ensure that they get the information they need about their loved ones regarding their surgery. The receptionist will provide a pager so that a member of the surgical team can contact families if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will surgery take?

The length of each surgery varies, depending on the patient and the procedure. If your wait is longer than what you were told, please ask the receptionist to check on the patient's status.

When will we speak to the surgeon?

Most of the time, the surgeon will contact you during your wait in the Smith Lounge. The receptionist in the Smith Lounge will page you when the surgeon calls. Otherwise, you may see the surgeon later in the patient's room.

How soon after surgery can we visit?

Following surgery, patients go to a recovery area for about one to three hours. Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia used as well as the individual patient's condition.

You will be notified which room the patient is in and when he or she is ready to have visitors. In general, visitors are only permitted in the outpatient recovery areas, which is limited to two visitors per patient. If a patient goes directly to surgical intensive care, you will be able to visit the patient within a few hours after surgery.

When are visiting hours?

General visiting hours for the Medical Center are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Please contact the specific unit to find out if there are special guidelines or limited visiting hours.