Surgical Site Verification and Marking Policy
Purpose
To ensure the correct surgical site is verified and marked for all surgical procedures to prevent wrong- site surgeries.
Policy Number
Background
- Surgical Site Verification and Marking is a requirement of ORNAC and Accreditation Canada.
- Existing Central Health Authority policies are outdated and need archiving.
Key Message
- All surgical interventions require verification of the surgical site.
- Mandatory steps for surgical site marking are outlined for procedures involving laterality or multiple structures (e.g., fingers, toes, limbs, eyes).
- Complements Safe Surgery Checklist and Admission Criteria – Same Day Surgery policies.
Recommendation(s)/Action Required
- OR staff and surgeons review new policy.
- Ensure updated copies of required forms are available for use for each surgical case.
Timeline:
As soon as possible after publishing on StaffNET.
If you have any questions, please contact:
- Site Director or Manager
Submitted by: L Cassan, Regional Lead – Acute Care & Chief Nursing Officer